Python - Easy Programming language?

techie2018

I'm a senior network engineer. However I want to expand my skillset to include some programming. A couple of my friends have mentioned Python. I notice a lot of people say python is easy compared to other languages. What is it about Python that makes it so easy.

jdancer

For an overview of Python, goto codeacademy.com

If you come from a C background, I suggest the language Go by Google. tour.golang.org

For functional programming, nothing beats Elixir, in my humble opinion. elixirschool.com

down77

Like any programming language, once you learn the basics you just have to practice with simple but repeatable tasks.

The Codeacademy material is a decent start.

Also check out Coursera's Python for Everybody series (link below). I've met Dr. Severance and he has done a great job of putting together a simple course.

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/python

Once you get a foundation you may also want to check out Kirk Byers Python for Network Engineers. He has some decent examples on his site, but like codeacademy he also runs paid content. Link:

https://pynet.twb-tech.com/


HTH

yoba222

Readability. Python doesn't use semicolons to terminate lines. Python also separates suites (chunks) of code by indentation instead of having curly braces all over the place. Python doesn't need several lines of setup code (like in Java, for example) for a program. This makes it easier to read. There are a few other things that make it cleaner.

Python also doesn't need to be compiled, so you can test the code, tweak a line, and test again without recompiling each time.

https://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0020/

One negative is that Python 3 was released to replace Python 2 many years ago but the transition still hasn't yet fully happened due to Python 2's popularity (and massive number of libraries).

Node Man

IMO eventually Python 2 and 3 will be separate languages. 2 just has too much staying power.

Back on topic.

As a network engineer, i have found Python essential. Especially the SSH (Paramiko) library.

diffie

I think people say its easy because of it's readability. Meaning, once you learn the basics, you can look at someone elses code and understand what's going on fairly easily. That really helps with the learning process.