Python Programming Language - Essay Example

Python Programming Language Introduction Python programming language includes various features of modern programming languages such as it is an interactive, explained, and programming language which works on objects. Additionally, it includes programming exception, components, extremely elevated level of dynamic data types, brisk typing and class level functionalities. In addition, python language integrates amazing control with extremely clear and simple language syntax or python programming rules. Moreover, it offers user interfaces to a lot of system calls, built-in libraries, and to a variety of window systems. Thus, we can say that the python language has the power to be integrated within C++ or C capabilities. On the other hand, it can also work as an extendable language for programs that require a programmable user working interface. In short, python is a high level programming language which offers a great deal of portability facility because it executes on a lot of UNIX platforms, Personal Computers under MS-DOS, Macintosh system, and Windows based systems like Windows NT and OS/2 platform (Python Software Foundation, 2011; Snyder, 2007; Cai, Langtangen, & Moe, 2005). This report presents a detailed overview of python programming language. This report will discuss some of the prime aspects of python programming language, its history, design goals, purpose and the relevance to Linux with the context of systems administration or service provision. Python Python is a well structured object oriented programming language with dynamic functionalities. It is a general purpose programming language used for diverse functions. Additionally, it can be utilized for the development of various types of application programs and software. The basic design principle of the python language highlights the programmer efficiency and program code interpretation. Python was at first developed by Guido van Rossum. The development of python was encouraged by Haskell, ABC, LIST programming, Java, Perl and Icon programming languages used for various purposes. Python programming language is a high level, extensive, construed and multi-platform programming language. In addition, python programming language is a smallest programming language. However, the most attractive characteristic of python programming language is that it does not make use of any sort of brackets or semicolons in source code. In its place, python utilizes indentation technique (Bodnar, 2010; Hightower, 2001). Moreover, python programming language comes in two versions. In this scenario, these versions of python programming language are 3.x and 2.x. The Python 3.x has cracked backward compatibility issues with earlier editions of python language. It was made to rectify a number of design defects of the language as well as enable enhanced capability of the language (Bodnar, 2010; Hightower, 2001). History of Python Python programming language was initially developed by Guido von Rossum during 1990s. This name of language was established due to Brit-com Monty Python's Flying Circus. This programming language has since been updated and improved by a large number of members or helpers as well as can be downloaded without paying any cost from the Python Software Foundation. Additionally, the latest edition of Python, 2.5, was brought to public in 2006. Python programming language is currently established in a lot of manifestations. In addition, at the website of the python programming language Software Foundation, python programs are developed in programming language C. In this scenario, there is a Java supported version of python language known as Jython, which can be utilized to work with Java language program code indigenously. In the same way, another version known as Iron Python is a C sharp type version, which is used for .Net and Mono platforms and allows C sharp programmers to use Python's power and pliability. In all of these examples, python language is described as one language however works indigenously with that particular language. Moreover, it as well offers interaction and compatibility facilities marvelously with other programming languages through a lot of modules or units (Lukaszewski, 2011; Hightower, 2001). With the intention of improvement and comprehensive inquiry, there is as well a python programming execution which is written in Python language itself. In this scenario, a project known as PyPy was established in 2003 in an attempt to facilitate python programmers to renovate the performance of python language interpreter with fortitude. Furthermore, it is an open source development which was being built explicitly by a society of system developers for free sharing and adjustment (Lukaszewski, 2011; Hightower, 2001). Design Goals The basic design goal of the python programming language is to highlight the programmer efficiency as well as code readability. Normally, the programmers greatly like python language for the reason that of improved efficiency it offers to its programmers. In view of the fact that there exists no compilation phase, thus the program writing, testing and debugging phases are extremely speedy. On the other hand, debugging or correcting python language programs is simple. In this scenario a bug or poor input will not at all produce a segmentation error. In its place, when the language interpreter finds out a bug or error, it throws a definite type of programming exception. However, if the python program does not hold the exception, the language interpreter prints a stack indication. In this scenario, a source program level debugger facilitates the examination of local scope as well as global scope language variables. Additionally, it also performs assessment of illogical language, placing divisions, moving through the program code a line at the same time, and many other features. Moreover, the python language debugger is coded in python itself, confirming the Python's meditative control. Alternatively, the fastest method to debug a language program is to put in a small number of print statements to the source code. Furthermore, the speedy writing-testing-debugging cycle makes this straightforward methodology a successful process (Python Software Foundation, 2011). Implementations Generally, python programming language is a system design idea. There exist 3 imperative applications of Python, e.g. IronPython, CPython and Jython. CPython is implemented using C programming language. Additionally, it is the most commonly utilized application of python language. Thus, CPython is acknowledged as the default version of python language. Another implementation IronPython is application of C sharp. In addition, it is an element of the .NET support. In the same way, Jython is an application of python programming language in Java. Moreover, python language based Jython application is interpreted into the Java object-code file as well as executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) (Bodnar, 2010). Python Advantage Scripting Languages The previous versions of languages are normally compiled, statically typed and demonstrated a reserved concept from the fundamental machine. However, the later are dynamically typed, frequently taken to interpret at extremely high-level. In this scenario, the scripting programming languages are normally believed as “adhesive languages''. In addition, these languages are used for linking autonomous modules into extensive applications such as prototyping systems and tools for fast program development. Thus, a number of latest trends, like that rapid systems, the increasing significance of graphical user interfaces, availability of superior scripting languages and module structure, and the rapid growth of internet, have very much augmented the use of scripting languages for the systems development. Moreover, these trends will carry-on over the coming few decades with the development of latest application programs written completely in scripting languages. In this scenario, the system programming languages are used for producing modules. Usually, programming in computer science covers highlighted system programming languages rather than scripting programming languages. Additionally, scripting programming languages offer several advantages, mainly for the preliminary programming order. However, scripting programming languages normally have straightforward semantic and language rules as compared to the system languages. Due to the facility of dynamic typing as well as interpreting capabilities they are extremely pliable. Thus, they offer confidence and support for system testing. Moreover, the extremely sophisticated nature of these programming languages allow students to build more refined and efficient systems by offering less efforts for accomplishment (Zelle, 2000; Lindstrom, 2005; Millman & Aivazis, 2011). Python is Easy to use Among a variety of well-known scripting programming languages, python is certainly contiguous in appearance to other forms of system programming languages. It also debatably has the most excellent collection of characteristics to advocate it as a primary programming language (Zelle, 2000; Lindstrom, 2005; Millman & Aivazis, 2011). Python is simple Generally, scripting programming languages are a great deal simpler as compared to system programming languages like that Java and C++. Additionally, the python has an easy to use and regular language rule or syntax. In python, the language statements are ended with a line and code blocking arrangement is specified through indentation. In addition, a python language program is similar to programming language pseudo code with executable characteristics. This feature eradicates a host of difficult faults for initial-level programmer, particularly position of bracketing, semi-colons as well as indentation. For instance, a general program code error in Java and C++ occurs if we don’t include a block of code within the braces i.e. () (Zelle, 2000; Lindstrom, 2005; Millman & Aivazis, 2011). Python is safe Python offers complete dynamic run-time program testing as well as limits testing on different array locations. Additionally, the python programming language makes use of data garbage set so programmers don’t feel any difficulty from hanging memory trickles or pointers. In addition, it is impractical for user program code in python to create a program sections breach. Considering this aspect it is clear that python programming language is much safer as compared to traditional programming structures (Zelle, 2000; Lindstrom, 2005; Millman & Aivazis, 2011). Object-oriented programming Support Though we don’t need to make use of language classes in order to write python pseudo-code since python supports OO (object oriented) programming throughout a language class system, the same which has been offered by Java and C++ programming languages. In this scenario, the program class paradigm of python is a generalization of C++ paradigm as well as up-hold numerous inheritance features. In view of the fact that the python is a dynamically typed language, thus there is no need to use abstract classes as programmers do in C++ or the interface method of Java programming. In addition, this characteristic offers facility to python that is in fact similar to the definite object programming paradigm offered by Smalltalk. However, one fault of python from a system programming development viewpoint is that encapsulation mechanism is simply implemented in the course of convention. In this scenario, python lacks the identification mechanism to check that the program class members are private or public. On the other hand, from professional perspective, this does not appear to be a critical flaw, as it is yet probable to edify the data-hiding standards; it is not only implemented through the python. Moreover, python offers a well-designed method but maintains it straightforwardly by evading the difficulty of the diverse ``visibility forms” that have to be considered within the context of Java and C++ programming language (Zelle, 2000; Lindstrom, 2005; Millman & Aivazis, 2011). Python is fun Python programming language is easy to understand. This characteristic of python makes it simple to explore and learn. Additionally, in support of the list or dynamic array data arrangement perspective, python offers tuples or absolute lists and language dictionaries/hash tables. In addition, together with the programming class system, they can be utilized to rapidly construct complicated data structures for smart developments. Moreover, without using any type declaration mechanism this programming language offers less code and flexibility issues. There as well exists a huge library of contributed and standard modules which offers mechanism for client-server applications, programming GUIs, databases, html viewers, animations and various other applications. Furthermore, the increasing recognition of scripting programming languages is openly attributable to the simplicity through which complex application programs can be developed by joining commonly available mechanisms. In this scenario, the complex and smart projects can be developed by simply a portion of python code that would be necessary in a system programming language (Zelle, 2000; Lindstrom, 2005; Millman & Aivazis, 2011). Python is practical In this information technology based era, scripting programming languages are gaining much attention of developers. Additionally, with the help of easy to use tools and applications, more software program are written in programming scripting languages as compared to customary system programming languages. In addition, python programming language is fairly more difficult to understand than its contemporary languages (for example Tcl, Perl, Visual Basic). However, it is a well-developed language and shows its vitality with extensive utilization in business sectors. Moreover, python programming language can be efficiently used on any programming platform and it is available free of charge (Zelle, 2000; Lindstrom, 2005; Millman & Aivazis, 2011). System administration of Linux through Python Python and Linux Python is a perfect language for resolving simple and complex problems, particularly in Linux and UNIX networks. Additionally, the Linux and python combination offers better facility to the administrators for reviewing a variety of jobs that frequently happen inside the organization of these systems. In addition, it allows them to explore that how python is able to offer a more efficient and less painful method to manage them. As a business system administrator, we generally have to face many confront and issues. In addition, effectively handling users, processes, disk space, backups and devices can cause a lot of critical problems to system administrators to lose their high-quality absurdity, intellect and good sense. In this scenario, Linux Shell scripts are able to facilitate however they frequently experience annoying restrictions. Due to this reason a complete traits scripting language like that python is able to convert a hard job into a simple one (Gite, 2007). Modules In python language concept, a module is an imperative aspect. Mainly, a module is a kind of resource that we introduce for the purpose of utilization. Additionally, this procedure is similar to getting a section of paper out of a wallet cupboard as well as placing it on our desk, prepared for utilization for various tasks. In this scenario, we generally introduce modules by using import command in python language that comes into view at the top of every instance of the program. Moreover, modules are used for providing database connection, operating system processes and services, programming as well as tons of other practical domains (Gift & Jones, 2008; Knowlton, 2007). Python Administration Python comprises all the characteristics of a strong programming language and by itself, it has tons of characteristics. Additionally, its learning can be considered as a job of classic sections. In addition, a lot of characteristics of python language like that the Graphical User Interface toolkits are of partial significance to system managers. In scenario of system development, they offer the capabilities that programmers require to efficiently write python scripts to handle different systems of different domains (Gift & Jones, 2008; Knowlton, 2007). Linux System administration Characteristics I have outlined below some of the main Linux System administration Characteristics: (Gift & Jones, 2008; Knowlton, 2007) It is simple to explore: A lot of clients recognize that its syntax is a great deal more like English language than other forms of scripting languages (Gift & Jones, 2008; Knowlton, 2007). It is well-developed: Python has been developed with an extensive time, that outlines its program coding is constant, a number of modules include fundamental functionality, as well as strong electronic manual is obtainable over the Internet (Gift & Jones, 2008; Knowlton, 2007). Python is a complete language: Studying and exploring it might be a job of classic sections. Though, keep in mind that a lot of python aspects, like that the GUI toolkits generally exhibit partial worth to the system managers (Gift & Jones, 2008; Knowlton, 2007). Linux System Administration with Python Examples Every example comprises a try and except with a close block of program code. This is an accomplishment of basic error management. Additionally, the python is extensively maintained for management purposes and the entire kinds of exceptions however for the idea of these instance programs. In addition, these instances were executed on python version 2.5 running on a Linux box; however were operated on some Linux/UNIX system. In this regards, we will certainly see various methods of these scripts which could be enhanced. This is high-quality idea. In this scenario, the most important characteristics of python scripts is that they are able to simply be personalized as well as adapted without having program code recompilation procedure in act (Gift & Jones, 2008; Knowlton, 2007). Example In this section I will present an example of Linux system administration through python, which includes searching for files and displaying authorizations in a responsive layout. This example program looks for files that equals an outline (foundational on input provided by user) as well as shows the outcomes on the screen, with the permissions allocated to the specific files. At primary step; we may perhaps consider this application does not perform a great deal more just running a find statement; though, it shows outcomes in a personalized method, as well as our alternatives for showing this improved results are infinite. In this scenario, the instance demonstrates us how to get a system statement as well as improve its capability (or as a minimum more tailored). Here, python language takes the script and executes 3 jobs: (Gift & Jones, 2008; Knowlton, 2007) Search outlines are obtained from the user Searching operation is performed Search results are given to the user Additional usage for scripts We are able to utilize python in several practices to proficiently handle systems. The most excellent thing that we can perform is checking our work, deciding which jobs we carry out frequently, and discovering whether python modules are available to facilitate us with those jobs, surely they are. In this scenario, a number of precise domains in Linux where python is able to offer enormous support can be given as follows: (Gift & Jones, 2008; Knowlton, 2007) Handling servers: Here python language can be used to ensure patch levels for a specific application throughout a group of servers and routinely updating these machines. Logging: Python language can be used to send an e-mail routinely if some kind of fault comes inside the sys-log. Networking: Python language can enable a Telnet link to a server as well as checks the working of the links. Checking Internet applications: Python can be used to check freely available tools to follow a Web browser and validate web application capability, activities and functionality. Analysis Python language offers a lot of advantages to programmers such as: It is simple to learn It is capable to manage system processes, files, strings and figures It offers continuous array of helper units Python is a programming scripting language that was made for system managers. It is a precious instrument for some system manager’s domain (Gift & Jones, 2008; Knowlton, 2007). Conclusion Python is an object oriented programming language, which is similar to other object oriented languages such as Java and C++. However, it offers additional features for system managers. Python programming language offers a lot of features of modern programming languages such as it is an interactive, explained, and programming language which works on objects. It includes programming exception, components, extremely elevated level of dynamic data types, brisk typing and class level functionalities. This report has presented a detailed analysis of some of the imperative aspects of the python programming language. This paper has discussed the basics of python programming language, its history, design goals, purpose, relevance and advantages. This report has also discussed the uses of python programming language for Linux platform and system administration perspective. References Bodnar, J. (2010, December 02). Python language. Retrieved May 04, 2011, from http://zetcode.com/tutorials/pythontutorial/python/ Cai, X., Langtangen, H. P., & Moe, H. (2005). On the performance of the Python programming language for serial and parallel scientific computations . Scientific Programming, Volume 13 Issue 1, pp. 31-56. Gift, N., & Jones, J. M. (2008). Python for Unix and Linux System Administration. New York: O’Reilly Media, Inc. Gite, V. (2007, September 06). Linux / UNIX: Python programming tutorial for system administrators. Retrieved May 04, 2011, from http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/linux-unix-python-tutorial.html Hightower, R. (2001). Python Programming with the Java Class Libraries: A Tutorial for Building Web and Enterprise Applications . Boston: Addison-Wesley Longman Publishing Co., Inc. Knowlton, J. (2007, September 07). Python for system administrators. Retrieved May 05, 2011, from IBM.com: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/aix/library/au-python/ Lindstrom, G. (2005). Programming with Python. IT Professional, Volume 7 Issue 5, pp. 10-16. Lukaszewski, A. (2011). What is Python? Retrieved May 04, 2011, from About.com: http://python.about.com/od/gettingstarted/ss/whatispython.htmhttp://python.about.com/od/gettingstarted/ss/whatispython.htm Millman, K. J., & Aivazis, M. (2011). Python for Scientists and Engineers. Computing in Science and Engineering, Volume 13 Issue 2, pp. 9-12. Python Software Foundation. (2011). General Python FAQ. Retrieved May 03, 2011, from http://docs.python.org/faq/general.html#what-is-python Python Software Foundation. (2011). What is Python? Executive Summary. Retrieved May 04, 2011, from http://www.python.org/doc/essays/blurb.html Snyder, R. M. (2007). Introducing Python programming into the data communications and security courses . InfoSecCD '07: Proceedings of the 4th annual conference on Information security curriculum development (p. 1). ACM New York, USA. Zelle, J. M. (2000). Python as a First Language. Retrieved May 03, 2011, from http://mcsp.wartburg.edu/zelle/python/python-first.html Read More