Python is one of the most widely used programming languages. When it comes to learning a first programming language, Python is highly recommended. Let’s find out what Python is all about.

What Makes Python So Popular?

Programming Language Rankings

If you visit the link above, it opens a page called the TIOBE Index. This page ranks programming languages based on certain criteria. These rankings are calculated using popular search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo!, Wikipedia, Amazon, YouTube, and Baidu.

Every month, the index is recalculated, and Python consistently holds a spot in the top three. Since 2018, its ranking has sharply risen, solidifying its place as one of the most influential programming languages globally. Many developers and companies use it widely. Although this ranking is not an absolute indicator of a language's quality or utility, it certainly shows Python's growing popularity. Its simplicity and readability make it particularly suitable for beginners, and it has a strong presence in educational settings. Furthermore, Python is powerful in fields such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, and web development, offering a wide range of robust libraries. Python’s popularity is not a coincidence; it’s a response to technological needs and evolution.

Why Python?

Life is short, You need Python.

This is a well-known saying among Python developers. Python is often called "executable pseudocode" because it is so easy to read and write.

Programming languages have syntax rules, and learning them is not always easy. Just like learning a foreign language involves mastering grammar, learning programming syntax can be a challenge. Even a small mistake can prevent a program from running properly. Many programmers wish syntax could be simplified, and Python is precisely that kind of language.

Python's syntax is greatly simplified and intuitive, making it feel almost like reading plain English. Although there are still syntax rules, they are far easier to grasp compared to other languages. When learning a programming language for the first time, people often start with a simple program to display "Hello, World!". Let's look at how this is done in C and Python.

*Hello, World! in C Language
#include <stdio.h> 
int main(){
  printf("Hello, World!"); 
}
*Hello, World! in Python
print("Hello, World!")

When I first learned programming in college, it was with C language. Unlike today, programming wasn't commonly taught in schools, so it felt very unfamiliar. My senior at university simply told me to type #include <stdio.h> until it felt natural. When I asked, "What does this mean? What’s its purpose?" he would only say, "You'll understand later. Just follow along for now." It was challenging to grasp the syntax, and I remember struggling with the various symbols and formatting rules.

Looking at the two codes side by side, you can see that even to display a simple "Hello, World!" in C, you need a lot of setup. You have to include a header file stdio.h to enable basic input and output functions. You also need to declare the main function where all commands are executed. Inside that function, you write the command to print "Hello, World!". Moreover, in C, every command ends with a semicolon (;) to mark the end of the statement; missing it causes an error.

After learning C, discovering Python felt like a revelation. I can imagine many developers felt the same way, thinking, "This is possible?"

In C, you need four lines of code to display "Hello, World!", while in Python, it only takes one. There’s no mysterious f in printf, it’s just print. Of course, this comparison isn’t to suggest that C is inferior. Each language has its purpose and strengths. From a learner’s perspective, however, Python is much easier and more intuitive, making it a fantastic choice for beginners. Its simplicity allows developers to focus on problem-solving rather than syntax.

In Conclusion

Today, if someone wants to learn programming for the first time, nine out of ten people would recommend Python. Of course, the right choice depends on what field you want to get into, but learning Python as a first language is a great way to get started. Once you become familiar with one programming language, learning others becomes much easier because the core logic and problem-solving skills are transferable. If you're looking to start, I highly recommend trying Python.