What is Python?

• A scripting language ( source code ->intepreter) : source code --> compiler --> byte code -> intepreter
  • python virtual machine
  • no need for def main(), but you can run by if ___name\__ = 'main":
• dynamic reference( type can change at run time), strongly-typed language
• almost everything in python is an object(id, name), bind with names
  • dir()-display names in the current local scope
• """... """ can produce automatic model documents
• library
• • glue language
• functional programing
• object oriented
• multi-purpose
  • web: WSGI API, Django framework, Flask, cache, unit test,
  • GUI: wxPython, PyQt
  • OS: linux, mac, NetBSD
  • game: 3D model
  • Data sicence: integrating with C, C++ and FORTRAN
  • prototyping + production
• Weakness
  • single thread
    • global interpreter lock(GIL) determines interpreter can only execute one line at the same time
    • Python C extensions can use native multithreading (in C or C++) can run code parrallel without being impacted by GIL