Python is one of the most powerful and beginner-friendly programming languages in the world. It is used to build websites, create video games, power artificial intelligence, and even help scientists explore space.
Python was created in 1989 by Guido van Rossum, a Dutch computer programmer. At the time, many programming languages were difficult to read and use. Guido wanted to create something simple, clean, and powerful. He started developing Python as a side project during his holiday break and officially released it in 1991.
Python is not named after the snake. Guido van Rossum named it after the British comedy show Monty Python's Flying Circus. He wanted a short, unique, and fun name, which reflected the playful spirit of the language. Many example codes still include humor today.
One of the first things programmers learn is how to display a message on the screen. The tradition of "Hello, World!" started in the 1970s and became popular after computer scientist Brian Kernighan included it in his programming books. It is simple, clear, and shows that a program works.
print("Hello, world!")
The term "bug" became famous in 1947 when computer scientist Grace Hopper and her team found a moth trapped inside the Harvard Mark II computer. They taped the moth into the logbook and wrote: "First actual case of bug being found." Today, debugging in Python continues this problem-solving tradition.
In its early days, Python wasn’t instantly popular. It grew slowly through a community of programmers who loved its simplicity. Making Python open-source allowed anyone to use, improve, and share it for free, helping it become one of the most widely used programming languages today. Companies like Google, Netflix, and NASA rely on Python every day.
Python reads almost like English, making it accessible to beginners. Unlike other programming languages full of symbols and punctuation, Python is clear, logical, and easy to follow.
print("Hello, Maine!")
Python is versatile and widely used in real-world applications. Learning it teaches logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. At Code For ME, we use Python to help students gain these skills and prepare for future careers in technology.
From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity to environmental science, Python is shaping the modern world. By learning Python, students are not just learning to code—they are learning to think, create, and lead. At Code For ME, Python is often the first step on this exciting journey.