Python is the language that is used by big brands in the whole world. Its demand is increasing day by day. Python is used by Google, Yahoo, Intel, IBM, Cisco, HP, NASA and many more big names in the list. Here we will discuss the various strengths and weaknesses of python.
Strengths of Python
1. Easy to Learn:Python is very easy to learn and it does not have any complex syntax and rules as followed by another language. You can learn Python very easily if you don't have any coding experience. You can say it is very user-friendly.
2. Free to Use:Python is free to use and available to download from its official website. You can download Python by clicking on the link given here (Download Python). The source code of Python is available for the public under GPL(General Purpose License) in which you can download it, modify it, use it, distribute it. You are totally free to do whatever you want to do with python.
3. Portable:Portability is the main strength of python. Users can run python programs on various platforms. Suppose you wrote a program in windows and now you want to run this program on Linux or Mac Operating system, You can easily run your programs on (Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, etc). You can say Python is a platform-independent programming language.
4. Interpreted:Python is interpreted language which means it does not require any kind of compiler to run the program. Python converts its code into bytecode which gives instant results. Python is interpreted means that its code is executed line by line which makes it easier to debug.
5. Extensible:It is a very major strength of Python. First, understand the meaning of extensible in Python that it is developed in a way that allows the addition of new capabilities and functionality. it does let you interface Python with libraries written in other languages. (mainly C or C++, but using C as a bridge you can call other languages as well that provide C interfaces.)
6. Extensive Libraries:When you download Python it comes with a large number of libraries that can be used for a specific purpose. You can download additional libraries according to your need or project demands. With the help of these libraries, you don't need to write the complete code just use these libraries and job done with a small number of instructions. Python provides libraries for web browsers, image manipulation, databases, email and for many other purposes.
7. Embeddable:One of the best features of Python is that it is also embeddable. For example, you can embed youtube video code into your HTML code. Similarly, you can embed Python code in other programming language like C++. With this feature, Python gives you the power to add its code like as a script in your code in a different language.
8. Object-Oriented:Python can be used as an object-oriented language in which data structure and functions are combined in a single unit. Python supports both object-oriented and procedure-oriented approach in the development. The object-oriented approach deals with the interaction between the objects on the other hand procedure-oriented approach deals with functions only.
9. GUI Programming:Python provides many solutions to develop a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Python shipped with a toolkit named tkinter which is widely used for GUI developments. By using Python with tkinter you can create GUI applications very fast and easy.
10. Database Connectivity:Python supports all the database required for the development of various projects. Programmers can pick the best suitable database for their projects. Some examples of database which is supported by python are MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Informix, Interbase, Oracle and etc.
Weaknesses of Python
Every language has its own limitations. Programmers must know these before starting any new project. We have explained all the good things available in python now the time is to discuss the weaknesses of python.
1. Speed:Python is interpreted and execute code line by line which keeps it slower as compared to C or C++. If speed is not the major concern in the project then you are welcome to use Python.
2. Weak for Mobile Development:Python is the best language for server-side coding. But when we talk in terms of mobile development Python is not very good. This is the major reason that you will rarely see mobile applications developed using Python.
3. Memory Consumption:Python has a very flexible structure for data. If you have a memory limitation in your project then Python may not be a good idea to use. Memory consumption is on the higher side.
4. Database Access Layer Issues:Python has issues with database access layers which restricts it to use in a big company.
5. Run-Time Errors:Python may give you run time errors which lead to disappointment at the end. Python is dynamically typed language and you don't need to mention data type in programs which may end up with run time errors.