Ever since the inception of Python, this language has gained popularity year after year. But, the question is how long Python will remain the preferred coding language for programmers. What are the pros and cons of Python?
StackOverflow survey shows that Python has been named the developers’ second-most beloved and fastest-growing programming language after Rust. Being a multipurpose language, it’s a preferred choice for entrepreneurs looking for Machine learning and Data Science projects.
From the perspective of entering the job market, students prefer Python as it’s easy to understand and code. Moreover, many organizations use Python for many of their projects.
In this article, I will summarize Python’s advantages and disadvantages from the development community. Popular discussion threads in Quora, Stack Overflow, and various blog posts are the references for this article.
Let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons of Python programming language from the business point of view:
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons of Python Programming Language
Pros |
Cons |
| Beginner-friendly | Issues with design |
| Large Community | Slower than compiled languages |
| Flexible and Extensible | Security |
| Extensive Libraries | Work Environment |
| Embeddable | High memory consumption |
| Highly Scalable | Dynamically-typed language |
| IoT Opportunities | Complex multithreading |
| Portable | Garbage collection leads to potential memory losses |
Also Read: Node.js vs. Python: Which is better?
Pros of Python
1. Beginner-Friendly
Python is an excellent platform for beginners who want to step into coding. This programming language is easy to learn, understand and code as it does not include too many technicalities.
Even the developers who are new to coding and do not have experience in it find it beginner-friendly. It is a verbose language because reading python is very similar to reading English.
The language does not need curly braces to define the blocks deep into the technicalities. However, indentation is mandatory, which further aids in the readability of code.
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2. Large Community
The Python community boasts many coders, developers, professionals, and students on the same platform, helping one another and bringing the best out of it.
This feature makes Python one of the best platforms for developers as they can seek help from experienced and knowledgeable developers.
3. Flexible and Extensible
Python is extremely flexible and can be extended to other languages. Developers can write code in C and C++ and build new features in the dynamically-typed language.
4. Extensive Libraries
Python features an extensive set of libraries and contains code for various purposes like documentation-generation, regular expressions, web-browsers, unit-testing, CGI, databases, image manipulation, etc. Hence, it eliminates the need to write the complete code manually.
5. Embeddable
Python is extensible, and most of its codes can even be written in other languages such as C++. This lets us add scripting capabilities to our code in the other language.
Also Read: Python For CyberSecurity: Why Is It Better In 2023?
6. Highly Scalable
Python is scalable, and many apps are in the market to prove it. Instagram and Pinterest are two of the most popular apps, receiving millions of user requests successfully.
Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are some of the most popular applications in everyday use that outshine the power of Python.
7. IOT Opportunities
Since Python forms the basis of new platforms like Raspberry Pi, it finds the future bright for the Internet Of Things.
Python is a way to connect the language with the real world. With Python and Raspberry Pi, the future for IoT is bright. Raspberry is a popular device used to integrate IoT technologies into real-world applications.
8. Machine Learning
Python is an excellent choice when your business needs web projects to be integrated with Machine Learning algorithms. Web Projects that require Python use it because it provides rich libraries, making it easier for the developers to work with data.
Also Read: Python for Business Analytics – A New Era of Revolution
9. Portable
Python is portable, which means it can be run on any other platform. Here, you need to code only once, and you can run it anywhere. This is called WORA (Write Once Run Anywhere). This makes it easier for the developers to work with Python as they do not need to make changes to it in case they want to run it on another platform.
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Cons of Python
While Python is a versatile language and offers many benefits, it also comes with a set of advantages. Have a look at some of the drawbacks of Python.
1. Issues with Design
Python developers sometimes have to deal with complicated designs. Therefore, highly efficient and experienced developers are preferred over beginners.
2. Slower than Compiled Languages
Python is slow compared to other non-compiled languages as it requires a lot of computational power. So, this is the thing that you need to look at before choosing Python.
3. Security
Python is not 100% secure. You need to take the necessary steps to ensure the code’s security. However, performing the right QA testing can fix this concern.
4. Work Environment
Before working with Python, you must set up a work environment. Many trouble can arise while setting up the environment, affecting beginners’ programming experience.
So, it would be better to go for Python IDEs and set up the environment with the help of official guides.
5. Python’s Memory Consumption and Garbage Collection
Python language comes with high memory usage, and the high memory consumption should be tackled carefully during the project. It uses reference counting in its garbage collection, which often leads to potential memory losses.
6. Python is Dynamically Typed
Developers working in Data Science and Machine Learning projects prefer statically-typed language over dynamically typed language. The reason is that the statically typed language potentially minimizes a lot of errors and bugs in the system.
7. Multithreading in Python
Multithreading in Python is not exactly true multithreading due to its global interpreter lock (GIL). The multithreading model in Python does not have threads that run at the same time. Here, one thread can hold the GIL at one time, which clearly implies that this is not the exact multithreading.
Python developers need to use a different implementation of Python such as Jython, IronPython, PyPy, or C extension to achieve true multithreading.
Also Read: PHP vs Python vs Ruby
Final Thoughts
Like, every other programming language, Python also comes with a mixed bag of advantages and disadvantages. However, if you look at the pros of python, it weighs heavier on the scale as compared to its drawbacks. It’s up to you how well you analyze your project requirements before choosing Python as your preferred programming language.
If you wish to develop any application using Python, get in touch with the top python development company that will provide you with secure, scalable, and feature-packed mobile applications across multiple business verticals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How is Python better than other programming languages?
Python stands out among programming languages because of the following reasons:
- Python is an open-source and free language. Developers do not have to purchase any subscriptions. Also, all computers and laptops are compatible with Python as the language doesn’t require any custom-built platform.
- Python doesn’t require loads of coding. Its syntax is simple, and logic that needs 7 lines in a C++ language can be written in 3 lines in Python. Smaller code, less space, less time! What else a coder may need?
- Any business can afford it. Companies that want to begin their operations and looking for cost-effective ways find this open-source language helpful.
- It’s a trending language. It has all the features of Java and C++. And to top it off, it’s easy to edit, optimize and rework.
Q2. Which language is better, Python or Java?
The debate over which programming language is better (Java or Python) has raged since these languages first appeared. Today, however, most agree that there’s room for both languages.
Although Java is counted among the most popular programming languages today, it’s not without its fair share of flaws. As a scripting language designed to facilitate rapid application development (RAD), however, Java can be cumbersome to work with.
On the other hand, Python is a general-purpose programming language that developers can use to create anything from simple scripts to full-fledged applications. It’s also one of the most renowned programming languages in use today. But while Python has plenty going for it, it also has its fair share of flaws.
For example, although Python is an excellent language for beginners (thanks to its simplicity), it can be challenging to master as well.
Q3. What are the disadvantages of Python?
Disadvantages of Python:
- It is a dynamically typed language
- Python is unsuitable for complicated designs.
- It is not as fast as other standard compiled languages.
- Fails to offer 100% security.
- Python suffers from high memory consumption.
Python will indeed continue to rule. Nice article.
Can you suggest a good python development company?