Python history
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Python's history is rich and significant in the world of programming languages. It was created by in December 1989 and released in 1991. He designed it at CWI (Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica) in the Netherlands. Van Rossum aimed to create a language that bridged the gap between the simplicity of shell scripts and the power of C, hence positioning Python as a high-level, interpreted language focused on readability and productivity 1 2.
Van Rossum drew inspiration from the ABC programming language, which influenced Python's readability and structure. Despite its initial inefficiencies with numerical arrays, the Python community expanded its capabilities by developing libraries that supported large arrays and other advanced mathematical functions. This led to Python becoming a popular tool among scientists and researchers in the late 90s, particularly those working with the Hubble Space Telescope 3.
Over the years, Python grew due to its flexibility and the large number of libraries available, which made it particularly well-suited for data science, machine learning, and AI. Libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and TensorFlow further solidified its dominance in these fields, as Python provided an accessible and productive environment for researchers and developers 4 5.
Python's open-source nature and strong community support have been pivotal to its growth. The Python Software Foundation (PSF) plays a crucial role in fostering this supportive community environment. This focus on community and accessibility has distinguished Python from other languages like MATLAB, which remained expensive and less accessible, thus inhibiting its wide adoption 3.
In summary, Python's origins stem from a desire to create a readable and productive programming language, borrowing elements from existing languages like ABC. Its evolution has been driven by community contributions and its ability to adapt to various fields, especially in scientific computing and data analysis.
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