Advantages and Disadvantages of Python
Learning about the advantages and disadvantages of a programming language is important so that you can gain knowledge of how to take full advantage of it. So, in this article, you are about to learn about Python, which is considered the second most popular programming language in the world. Despite being over thirty years old, the language retains its popularity. It has long been regarded as one of the world’s fastest-growing programming languages.
Python’s popularity can be attributed to its ease of use and its powerful features and the language is free and open source, making it accessible to all. On the other hand, Python is a dynamically typed language, which can lead to some complexities when working with the language. Like any other programming language out there in the industry, it has its pros and cons. Let’s dive right into them.
What are the Advantages?
Here, in this section, you can read through the advantages of Python, the go-to programming language of both beginner programmers and experienced ones. It includes the following:
- Open-Source and Free
- Interpreted Language
- Dynamically Typed Language
- Simple to Learn & Beginner Friendly
- Enhanced Efficiency
- Portability
- Massive Library Support
1. Open-Source and Free
Python’s free and open-source nature is one of its main benefits and the main factor in its popularity. Its open-source licence, approved by OSI, permits the language to be used and distributed without restriction, even for business endeavours. It helps lower maintenance costs. Therefore, its developers can share, copy, and modify the language, allowing the developer community to share their knowledge with each other and with beginners.
2. Interpreted Language
Due to the language’s interpretive nature, its source code must first be translated into bytecode for the Python virtual machine to execute it. Machine learning has many benefits and drawbacks, and Python is regarded as one of the best programming languages for machine learning. In contrast to major compiled languages like C and C++, Python code does not require building and linking, unlike code written in these languages.
3. Dynamically Typed Language
It is a programming language that uses dynamic typing. The variable type is unknown to it until the code is run, so declaring it is useless. After saving the value to a memory location, the variable name is bound to that memory location, which allows that variable name to be used to access the contents of the container. Therefore, the data type is unimportant, considering that it will discover the kind of value during execution.
4. Simple to Learn & Beginner Friendly
Even for novices, it is an easy language to learn. It has a syntax similar to English and is a high-level dynamic programming language. It has helped developers adopt and learn the language quickly. The language requires fewer lines of code to complete the same task as Java and C do. Because the language is so easy to understand, its principles allow faster execution than other languages. It is one of the best advantages of the language.
5. Enhanced Efficiency
It is an efficient programming language with a clean design that improves process control. It also has excellent text processing capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Due to its simplicity, developers can focus on using the language to solve problems.
Rather than putting in more effort, users save time by becoming familiar with the syntax and behaviour of programming languages. Because of this and other benefits, many developers favour Python over other languages when developing software.
6. Portability
The language is designed to be portable, and its code is compatible with all current computer operating systems. As it is a high-level, interpreted language, its code can undergo further interpretation on Linux, Windows, Mac OS, and UNIX without requiring changes. Its programs can also create portable graphical user interfaces.
7. Massive Library Support
Another benefit is that the user can access an extensive library with practically every imaginable function. It is because of the support from businesses and a sizable and engaged membership. When using Python, users do not need to use external libraries. It simplifies the development process and saves time and money.
It also facilitates code updates and maintenance. Additionally, Python’s library support is well documented, making it easier for developers to find the necessary information.
What are the Disadvantages?
Now, once you are done with the advantages, you can get into the disadvantages of the language you should know about. So, the following are some of them:
- Poor Memory Efficiency
- Slower Speed Than Compiled Languages
- Access to Database
- Limitations of Mobile Computing
- Runtime Errors
1. Poor Memory Efficiency
The language’s poor memory efficiency is one limitation that makes developers hesitant to use it. The language is adaptable to various data types, so it consumes a lot of memory. It is not a good option for memory-intensive tasks if the user wants to maximise memory usage.
2. Slower Speed Than Compiled Languages
In terms of speed, Python is slower than either Java or C. It is an interpreted, dynamically typed language. Before a line of code is executed, it needs to be correctly organised and read. It causes a slow execution process and takes even longer. Because more work needs to be done while the code is being executed, the language’s dynamic structure makes things even slower. Thus, it becomes a backup choice in situations requiring quick acceleration.
3. Access to Database
Programming is made easier with Python. Nevertheless, it faces several challenges when interacting with the database. The language has a drawback in that it is less sophisticated and basic in its interactions with the database and data access layer compared to other popular technologies. Because of this, the language is less common among big businesses that need to interact with complicated legacy data easily.
4. Limitations of Mobile Computing
Python’s strength on the desktop and server platforms makes it an ideal language for server-side programming. However, it is not suited for mobile development and is rather delicate. The language has few built-in mobile applications because it uses a lot of processing power and is memory inefficient. One instance of a pre-installed Python programme is Carbonnelle.
5. Runtime Errors
Users raised numerous concerns about Python’s design. Runtime errors are regarded as one of the language’s primary drawbacks. The data type of any variable in this dynamically typed language can change at any time. Therefore, it should be tested more regularly, and runtime errors in the language are evident.
So, these are some of the main pros and cons of Python. Yes, it is an excellent programming language widely used in the software development industry. However, you should only select Python if it meets your needs or if it will help you achieve your project’s goals. Hope that all of the advantages and disadvantages of Python that are listed here are useful to you.
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Hi, my name is Rahil. I work at YUHIRO Global and I help web agencies and software companies from Europe to build developer teams in India.