What Python Is
Python is a programming language: a way to write instructions a computer follows. You type plain-text commands, Python runs them. It's one of the most widely used languages in the world, and it's where a lot of people write their first real program.
Why people pick Python
It reads like English. Compare printing a greeting:
print("Hello, world!")
That's the whole program. Many languages need several lines of setup to do the same thing.
It comes with batteries. Python includes ready-made tools for files, dates, math, internet requests, and more — you don't install extras for everyday tasks.
It's everywhere. Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi. The same script usually runs on all of them unchanged.
What it's good for
- Automating boring computer chores (renaming files, processing spreadsheets, downloading things on a schedule).
- Small tools and utilities — the kind of scripts this repo's readers tend to accumulate.
- Data work: reading files, crunching numbers, making charts.
- Web backends, scripting inside other programs, and controlling hardware like a Raspberry Pi.
What it isn't
- Not the fastest language. For heavy number-crunching or games, compiled languages (C, Rust, Go) run circles around it. For everyday tasks you won't notice.
- Not the only tool. Spreadsheets beat Python for one-off tables; shell scripts beat it for chaining commands. Use the right tool for the job.
- Not magic. Python does exactly what you tell it — including your mistakes. Troubleshooting is part of the deal.
Python 2 vs Python 3
You'll see this mentioned in old tutorials. Python 2 is retired —
has been since 2020. Everything here is Python 3. If a tutorial
says print "hello" without parentheses, it's Python 2 and outdated.
Next: Installing Python.