4 Causes Why Python Should not Be the Prime Programming Language
Occasions have by no means been higher for Python. The language at present ranks as the most well-liked programming language on the planet, in keeping with the TIOBE Index — a place that displays years of regular progress over the previous twenty years.
That progress stems from quite a lot of elements. One is the truth that Python — regardless of its humble origins as an enhanced shell scripting language — has developed into one of the versatile, dynamic languages on the market. It is used for the whole lot from net growth, to web of issues (IoT) programming, to AI and past. One other is that Python code could be very simple to put in writing and execute, which makes Python a language of alternative for introductory programming programs. Mainly everybody who takes Coding 101 in school, or attends a coding bootcamp, as we speak learns Python.
But, a part of me wonders how lengthy Python’s heyday will final. Whereas there is definitely nothing inherently flawed with the language, I am in some methods shocked that it has managed to turn out to be as widespread because it has, and I’m a bit uncertain about whether or not Python will stay a prime programming language 10 or 20 years from now.
Why, you ask? Properly, listed here are 4 the reason why Python is arguably extra widespread than it deserves to be.
1. Python Is Not Quick
Arguably the programming language’s largest shortcoming is that functions written in Python are simply not quick. A minimum of, they’re not practically as quick as these coded in languages like C and even Java (which is itself not an particularly quick language).
Because of this, I fear that we’re capturing ourselves within the foot a bit by writing a lot code in Python. The code could also be simple to put in writing and deploy, however we’re sacrificing pace, effectivity, and efficiency. In a world the place each millisecond counts, Python is simply not an incredible alternative.
2. Python’s Syntax Is Too Inflexible
A part of the explanation Python is so widespread, particularly amongst folks newer to coding, is that it requires a very particular syntax. That syntax occurs to lead to code that could be very neat and readable.
That is nice for those who do not thoughts taking the time to comply with all of Python’s syntactic guidelines. However for those who simply wish to churn out code rapidly, Python might be not one of the best language.
So, if we wish to prioritize flexibility and dynamism over having everybody’s code look very fairly and constant, Python shouldn’t be one of the best language for the longer term.
3. Python Gives a Restricted Programming Expertise
One other a part of the explanation why Python is widespread with freshmen is that it is easy to make use of. You do not have to cross your code via a compiler.
The draw back of Python on this respect, nonetheless, is that it does not truly present a holistic software program growth expertise. Individuals who study to code in Python are usually not studying about each side of a conventional software program growth pipeline, and they’ll face a studying curve in the event that they go on to work with languages that aren’t interpreted.
In reality — and this will sound somewhat harsh — understanding find out how to code in Python is merely one step up from understanding find out how to run packages in a Bash shell, which isn’t coding in any respect.
From this attitude, you might argue that Python is making a technology of programmers who do not essentially know “full” programming. They simply know find out how to write interpreted code.
4. Nothing Actually Large Has Been Written in Python
This assertion may additionally place me in some scorching water, however I am going to go forward and make it: As I look all over the world as we speak, I do not see any actually giant, complicated, momentous functions or platforms written in Python.
Positive, there are many main web sites that use Python in a technique or one other, totally on the again finish. And there are in all probability tens of millions of smaller functions on the market developed in Python.
However there is no such thing as a Python-based equal to WordPress (though there are some Python-based CMSes on the market, most of which you’ve gotten in all probability not heard of). There is no such thing as a workplace productiveness suite that relies upon closely on Python. There’s definitely no working system, or perhaps a main a part of an working system, coded in Python.
This commentary is not a criticism of Python as a lot because it’s an effort to focus on the truth that, if Python had been poised to stay a prime programming language for many years to come back, you’d assume somebody would have completed one thing extra fascinating with it by now than write scripts and easy apps. However they have not, and so they in all probability will not.
Conclusion
Admittedly, the arguments I’ve made above in opposition to Python are all subjective and positively fairly debatable. Loads of persons are extra bullish about Python than me.
And I am not saying that Python ought to by no means be used. It definitely has legitimate use circumstances. However these use circumstances principally contain writing comparatively easy scripts and functions, not making an attempt to make use of Python because the go-to language for writing the whole lot underneath the solar.
In any case, as I mentioned above, Python was designed initially to be mainly only a shell scripting language. It has morphed into a way more widespread type of monster, and I feel that development will show to be an anomaly. Ten years from now, I believe we’ll be trying again and questioning what we had been pondering once we made Python the most well-liked programming language on the planet.
