Python Review

Easy to learn programming language

Discovery

I researched and watched YouTube Videos to determine a new language that is currently in high demand. I have ruled out Java for now because it's been around a while. However, I may work with it at some point. Python looks to me like its rapidly gaining popularity and might be worth putting my time into it. It does look relatively easy to learn. Programmers that are already familiar with the various flavors of C, C++ or Java should be able to learn Python easily. I did purchase the PYTHON CRASH COURSE book to aid me if necessary. There are also a ton of free training videos on YouTube. Plenty of paid courses are also available.

Installation

Python is a scripting language, there is no compiler.

The neat part is that Python is available for free. In my case, I used the free extension within VSCode and it installs in seconds - See my VSCode mini review. Python and VSCode complement each other nicely. VSCode and Python work on Windows, Linux & Mac. Installation on the other platforms will vary.

First Impressions

I go way back. I learned BASIC first and then I learned straight C and went on to various other languages. That previous knowledge allows me to read Python code and follow the examples as it's not terribly different. I have just begun to scratch the surface of Python.

Python excels at automation, so I decided to automate something. I wrote a quick script as my first attempt at something useful as opposed to the typical Hello world example found in nearly every coding textbook. I completed this over the course of an afternoon. I'am sure I would be able to code faster as I get more familiar with the syntax of the language. I wrote the script on my Windows computer and copied it over to 3 different real and virtual Linux machines via the VSCode Remote Explorer plugin. The script could now be run from each Linux machine to update the OS and software. Yes, it's a very simple task, but a person has to start somewhere! I figured it all out by myself as a new Python user, a new Linux user, and a new VScode user. Learning is fun!

Future Tasks

I do want to learn more about Python. However, I really can't think of anything that I would need to accomplish in Python. A person only so much time available. When I have a need for Python, I will undoubtedly spend more time with it.