Say Hi To The Python Language

In the ‘80s, during the golden age of the home computer, students, home computer users and enthusiasts all strove to program their computers to perform a certain task. These early coders, at the frontier of home computer programming, created amazing things with their code.

Regardless of whether it was simply having the computer scroll the word “Hello!” down the screen or creating one of the many thousands of hugely entertaining games of the time, these pioneers of programming created a generation of digital imagination. With the rise of the Internet and modern computers and consoles, home programming became something of a lost art. However, the bedroom coder has returned and thanks to the power of Python you can become part of the new generation of home computer programmers.

It doesn’t matter if you fondly recall the ‘80s or barely remember the PlayStation 2, this section will help you get started with the latest version of Python and what you need. We cover Windows, macOS and Linux, so read on and let’s see how to start you off on your Python adventure.

Why Python?

There are many different programming languages available for the modern

computer, and some still available for older 8 and 16-bit computers too. Some of these languages are designed for scientific work, others for mobile platforms and such. So why choose Python out of all the rest?

The Greatness of Python

Ever since the earliest home computers were available, enthusiasts, users and professionals have toiled away until the wee hours, slaving over an overheating heap of circuitry to create something akin to magic.

These pioneers of programming carved their way into a new frontier, forging small routines that enabled the letter ‘A’ to scroll across the screen. It may not sound terribly exciting to a generation that’s used to ultra high-definition graphics and open world, multiplayer online gaming. However, forty-something years ago it was blindingly brilliant. Naturally these bedroom coders helped form the foundations for every piece of digital technology we use today. Some went on to become chief developers for top software companies, whereas others pushed the available hardware to its limits and founded the billion pound gaming empire that continually amazes us.

Regardless of whether you use an Android device, iOS device, PC, Mac, Linux, Smart TV, games console, MP3 player, GPS device built-in to a car, set-top box or a thousand other connected and ‘smart’ appliances, behind them all is programming.

All those aforementioned digital devices need instructions to tell them what to do, and allow them to be interacted with. These instructions form the programming core of the device and that core can be built using a variety of programming languages.

The languages in use today differ depending on the situation, the platform, the device’s use and how the device will interact with its

Environment or users. Operating systems, such as Windows, macOS and such are usually a combination of C++, C#, assembly and some form of visual-based language. Games generally use C++ whilst web pages can use a plethora of available languages such as HTML, Java, Python and so on.

More general-purpose programming is used to create programs, apps, software or whatever else you want to call them. They’re widely used across all hardware platforms and suit virtually every conceivable application. Some operate faster than others and some are easier to learn and use than others. Python is one such generalpurpose language.

Python is what’s known as a High-Level Language, in that it ‘talks’ to the hardware and operating system using a variety of arrays, variables, objects, arithmetic, subroutines, loops and countless more interactions. Whilst it’s not as streamlined as a Low-Level Language, which can deal directly with memory addresses, call stacks and registers, its benefit is that it’s universally accessible and easy to learn.

Java is a powerful language that’s used in web pages, set-top boxes, TVs and even cars.

Python was created over twenty six years ago and has evolved to become an ideal beginner’s language for learning how to program a computer. It’s perfect for the hobbyist, enthusiast, student, teacher and those who simply need to create their own unique interaction between either themselves or a piece of external hardware and the computer itself.

Python is free to download, install and use and is available for Linux, Windows, macOS, MS-DOS, OS/2, BeOS, IBM i-series machines, and even RISC OS. It has been voted one of the top five programming languages in the world and is continually evolving ahead of the hardware and Internet development curve.

So to answer the question: why python? Simply put, it’s free, easy to learn, exceptionally powerful, universally accepted, effective and a superb learning and educational tool.

BASIC was once the starter language that early 8-bit home computer users learned.

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