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Python is the hero of coding because it is as simple to read as plain English, but it is powerful enough to run NASA missions. It might not be the fastest language, but it has the ability to execute the ideas into real life by applying less effort.
In this DataFlair tutorial, you will learn the advantages and disadvantages of Python. This will help you know the benefits of learning the Python programming language.
Advantages of Python
Let’s see how Python dominates over other languages.
1. Extensive Libraries
Python downloads with an extensive library and contains code for various purposes like regular expressions, documentation-generation, unit-testing, web browsers, threading, databases, CGI, email, image manipulation, and more.
So, we don’t have to write the complete code for that manually.
2. Extensible
Python can be extended to other languages. You can write some of your code in languages like C++ or C.
This comes in handy, especially in projects.
3. Embeddable
Complementary to extensibility, Python is embeddable as well. You can put your Python code in your source code of a different language, like C++.
This lets us add scripting capabilities to our code in another language.
4. Improved Productivity
The language’s simplicity and extensive libraries render programmers more productive than languages like Java and C++ do.
Also, the fact that you need to write less and get more things done.
5. IOT Opportunities
Since Python forms the basis of new platforms like Raspberry Pi, it finds the future bright for the Internet Of Things.
This is a way to connect the language with the real world.
6. Simple and Easy
When working with Java, you may have to create a class to print ‘Hello World’. But in Python, just a print statement will do.
It is also quite easy to learn, understand, and code.
7. Readable
Because it is not such a verbose language, reading Python is much like reading English. This is the reason why it is so easy to learn, understand, and code.
It also does not need curly braces to define blocks, and indentation is mandatory. This further aids the readability of the code.
8. Object-Oriented
This language supports both the procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms.
While functions help us with code reusability, classes and objects let us model the real world.
A class allows the encapsulation of data and functions into one.
9. Free and Open-Source
Python is freely available. But not only can you download Python for free, but you can also download its source code, make changes to it, and even distribute it.
It downloads with an extensive collection of libraries to help you with your tasks.
10. Portable
When you code your project in a language like C++, you may need to make some changes to it if you want to run it on another platform.
But it isn’t the same with Python. Here, you need to code only once, and you can run it anywhere.
This is called Write Once Run Anywhere (WORA). However, you need to be careful enough not to include any system-dependent features.
11. Interpreted
Lastly, we will say that it is an interpreted language. Since statements are executed one by one, debugging is easier than in compiled languages.
Any doubts till now in the advantages of Python? Mention in the comment section.
Advantages of Python Over Other Languages
1. Less Coding
Python uses simple language, which makes the code easy to read and write.
You can finish the projects much faster than in other coding languages.
Python also has an awesome standard library support, so you don’t have to search for any third-party libraries to get your job done.
This is the reason that many people suggest learning Python for beginners.
2. Affordable
Python is free; therefore, individuals, small companies, or big organizations can leverage the freely available resources to build applications.
Python is popular and widely used, so it gives you better community support.
The 2019 GitHub annual survey showed us that Python has overtaken Java in the most popular programming language category.
3. Python is for Everyone
Python code can run on any machine, whether it is Linux, Mac, or Windows.
Programmers need to learn different languages for different jobs, but with Python, you can professionally build web apps, perform data analysis and machine learning, automate things, do web scraping, and also build games and powerful visualizations.
It is an all-rounder programming language.
Disadvantages of Python
So far, we’ve seen why Python is a great choice for your project. But if you choose it, you should be aware of its consequences as well.
Let’s now see the limitations of Python over other languages.
1. Speed Limitations
We have seen that Python code is executed line by line. But since Python is interpreted, it often results in slow execution.
This, however, isn’t a problem unless speed is a focal point for the project.
2. Weak in Mobile Computing and Browsers
While it serves as an excellent server-side language, Python is rarely seen on the client-side.
Besides that, it is rarely ever used to implement smartphone-based applications. One such application is called Carbonnelle.
The reason it is not so famous despite the existence of Brython is that it isn’t that secure.
3. Design Restrictions
As you know, Python is dynamically-typed. This means that you don’t need to declare the type of variable while writing the code.
It uses duck-typing. But wait, what’s that? Well, it just means that if it looks like a duck, it must be a duck.
While this is easy on the programmers during coding, it can raise run-time errors.
4. Underdeveloped Database Access Layers
Compared to more widely used technologies like JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) and ODBC (Open Database Connectivity), Python’s database access layers are a bit underdeveloped.
Consequently, it is less often applied in huge enterprises.
5. Simple
No, we’re not kidding. Python’s simplicity can indeed be a problem. Take my example. I don’t do Java, I’m more of a Python person.
To me, its syntax is so simple that the verbosity of Java code seems unnecessary.
This was all about the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Python Programming Language.
Summary
Python is easy to read and write. Its clear words look like plain English, so a new learner can pick it up fast. The language lets you work on web apps, data science, AI, and scripts with the same code style. Huge libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and Django cut coding time because the heavy work is already done.
Still, Python has limits. It runs through an interpreter, not a compiler, so it may feel slower than C++ or Java for big math tasks. Because it is easy, some developers write messy code that is hard to keep clean. Python also uses a Global Interpreter Lock (GIL). The GIL stops true parallel threads, which can hurt speed on CPU-heavy jobs. When meeting hard real-time rules—think tiny chips in cars—Python is often skipped for C.