Why we chose Python (too) – Python series pt. 1

The right solution at the right time

ACA Group’s tradition and heart rests in customer-centricity and innovation. That's why we don't limit ourselves to just one programming language or one specific technology or solution. We research the market, experiment with new technologies and always search for the best possible solution for our current and future customers. This is the exact reason why we chose Python as one of our programming languages.

But before we focus on the "why Python?", let's start with the how. How did it all start for Python?

Fastest-growing programming language in the world 

Python actually started out as a hobby project from Guido Van Rossum.

Over a long holiday break in December 1989, Guido started developing an ABC-like language that could talk to the OS and would be suitable for quickly developing OS utilities for Amoeba. He named his nascent project Python, taking inspiration from the Monty Python's Flying Circus television program. (Source: Computer - Guido van Rossum: The Early Years of Python https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/co/2015/02/mco2015020007/13rRUy3gmYB)

Flash forward to 2021: Guido's hobby project has witnessed an incredible growth and has turned into a world-famous programming language. And you don't need to trust my word on it, numerous research shows: Python truly is the fastest-growing programming language in the world with more than six million developers. Just go and have a look at one of these popular and well-known data links: RedMonk rating, Github, Stack Overflow, PYPYL-index, Slashdata and TIOBE index.

Why is Python so popular?

Here we go: the clue you probably all have been waiting for. “Why is Python so popular and why did ACA choose Python as one of its programming languages?”

• Simplicity & efficacy

Python was designed to be a highly readable language and that simplicity is one of the most important reasons why it's so popular.

Python is a powerful and elegant language that aims to be clear and consistent with a simple syntax. This means it's very accessible to beginners and that it has a relatively uncluttered visual layout. Because it's written in and can be read a lot like everyday English (without punctuation marks), Python has quickly become one of the easiest programming languages to learn. Last but not least, this simplicity as well as consistency also makes it highly effective for programmers to use, and therefore more cost efficient to build applications with.

• Community & libraries
  
  With the Python community by your side, you’re never alone. There are a lot of big and active communities across the world that offer a lot of support. The fact that Python is so widespread across different industries, companies and people, means that there’s a huge number of developers working with the language. A big community like that which keeps on growing, results in a lot of support material, reliability and trust.
  
  Developers can not only rely on the community, but on an excellent and extensive list of libraries as well. These libraries and frameworks are an incredible resource and save time in projects. In turn, this makes both the libraries and Python even more popular.

• Versatility & Flexibility

One of the things developers love about this programming language is the fact that it can be used in a variety of projects and across multiple industrie, including data science, machine learning, blockchain, and so much more. In other words, Python doesn't restrict you to any sort of application.

Python wasn't created to answer a specific need, so it isn't driven by specific templates or APIs, which both allows freedom or suitability for rapid development.

These are the most important and well-known reasons behind Python's success. But what about the possible disadvantages, the usability and its relation to innovation?

Want to know more about Python?

If you know a little bit about Python, you know we only scratched the surface today. No worries! Our next two blog posts will be launched soon and reveal:

• What you should take into account when choosing or starting Python
• Where and how companies across the world are using Python today
• Why Python is one of the most sought after skills in data science
• Why Python is so popular in innovation

Stay tuned!

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