10 Python Language Features developers May Not Know About

“Python as a high level programming language undeniably simplifies the process of code readability and syntax for users far and wide. Its design philosophy and support for multiple programming paradigms further help work both on a small and large dimension. After Google's blessing touch it has seen a tremendous growth in the industry; yet many features are hidden and you a smart Python developer must aware of them”.

1. Python’s built-in method type () is relatively a less known function which basically enables developers to check the type of object. Along with this, developers should give a try to set/frozenset (it actually integrates some highly efficient binary operators). Well, before using them the developer must be aware of their exact use and intention. Set is nothing but just a group of elements or components that we need to keep in an object in Python. Usually a set contains interrelated components or elements just like a group of city name or a group of userIDs etc. The Python developer can make many types of arithmetic operations with set() i.e. Add, delete or modify etc. On the contrary, frozenset() is immutable i.e. non-editable. If the developer wants to modify it then it will give error. But, using frozenset() in proper place can increase the performance of the application and decreases the overhead of the application.

2. The programming language provides these unique ‘namedtuple’ and ‘counter’ components from stdlib’s collection modules. These are not much used in developing web applications, but, for core Python programming, they have quite significance. Suppose you have two files with some components and you want to manipulate with their data using set feature. You can count using counter and namedtuple. The background concept is to optimize the manipulation process and nothing else. In cPython Tuple is faster whereas in PyPy namedTuple is better. Although it is not a core language function, it allows users to experiment with their tasks and reinvent the wheel (should they plan to) still as a smart developer you should possess some brief idea over these functions.

3. Often, any object built within a function breathes its last as soon as the function call comes to an end. But, Python treats functions as objects – as a result of which, if the developer defines any specific object, it will continue to exist. Yes, this is an awesome and useful feature of Python. Once you complete all your actions with an object; the object does not move to garbage rather it still exist within the application and the developer can reuse it at any moment of time without any fail. Though hardly any developer uses it; still he must be aware of this fact and should try to implement it in application if required. The best part is that, it will not hamper the speed or efficiency of your Python application in any manner.

4. Developers may not be aware of that the ever-present ‘else’ in Python can also be used with ‘try.’ This might appear useful for testing code that helps send emails without calling for any setup of an SMTP server. Also, users can commence a simple HTTP server in absolute no time and even keep a tab on which IP is accessing what on their server. It will improve the overall efficiency and speed of the application and at the same time, the developer can use it as a development debugging tool that comes in-built with the language itself.
5. How many developers are aware that you can implement imaginary numbers in Python just like i, j etc. You will be astonished to know that Python supports it! The framework even enables support for imaginary numbers, a function that most of us would not be aware of. The programming language’s imaginary numbers’ support use ‘j’ instead of ‘i.’ For example, >>> x + 3j + 6 or >>> z . imag. This is highly useful if your application is dealing with some mathematical operations that need imaginary numbers to be used in the application.

6. Python __slots__ is yet another little known feature that could be of great assistance in projects’ development. The mechanism could be used to implement a fixed set of properties for a class. Since Python’s dynamic nature may look counter-productive at times, this feature definitely helps in imposing a fixed set of properties. This prevents the misuse of any class that is highly sensitive and its data should not be modified by the developer. You can compare it with Private class concept though; but, it is more than that in real time Python application development.

7. Python is clearly a high-level language that follows aphorisms like – complex is better than complicated, explicit is better than implicit, and readability counts. The program benefits from its dynamic typing and lends support to map (), reduce (), and filter () functions as well. Its unique combination of cycle-detecting garbage collector and reference counting further add up to its usability as a programming language. All these are nothing but the performance booster for the programming language for which it has god reputation in the industry. It makes a Python application not only efficient enough but also faster and well maintainable in a single shot.

8. FLOSS seems to be the root inspiration for Python though! The platform follows the footsteps of Free and Open Source Software – owing to which, developers can without any restraints hand out copies of this software. Python even lets users freely read the software’s source code & incorporate its elements in new free programs. In simple word, Python is Open Source technology and a developer can modify its source code without any glitch as when required by the application.

9. Now I am going to discuss one of the amazing features of Python that a Python developer supposed to be unaware of. Do you know that, developers can even run their important codes quickly by writing that piece of code in C. After this all they have to do is merge that particular code with their Python. That means you can test your Python code in C platform!!

10. The free, open-source platform further helps developers steer clear of premature optimization and less-cluttered grammar as part of its philosophy that discards exuberant syntax. One can also insert Python into their C/C++ program (which helps have scripting capabilities).

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Why Should You Upgrade to Python 3.0 ASAP?

“It’s been long and stretched since Python 3 turned up for good but many developers still doubt over the use of this major, backwards-incompatible release. The programming language shares no compatibility with Django (but, that’s not the truth) but the version definitely incorporates a wide range of useful features for developers. It has brought in some significant tweaks to its built-in objects like dictionaries and strings, no doubt. However, there are far more superior reasons for why developers should upgrade to Python 3.0 (Python 3000 or Py3k). And, they are” –

Print Function: Python 3.0 features a print function, which has basically replaced its old print statement. However, the function does not lend support to the ‘softspace’ feature of the old print statement. Meanwhile, users are enabled to customize the separator between items. Here in the latest print function, the developer needs to put "(" and ")" just like a function instead of a statement. It enables developers in handling many situations which where a night dream before like printing a range of numbers. For tyhe same, you can use Python syntax like: print(x) for x in range(10). It simplifies many complex issues without much effort and coding expertise.

Simple Ordering Comparisons: The upgrade has revamped Python’s ordering comparisons, whereby __cmp__() is no longer supported and cmp() has been taken off. Users are rather provided with __lt__() for sorting. In fact, Python 3.0 no longer includes any support for the cmp argument. Here, users can use the key argument. The framework has simplified its ordering comparisons and it no longer is supportive of expressions like 1 < '', 0 > none or len <= len.

Changes in Binary Data & Unicode: The system relies on the phenomenon of text and binary data (not on Unicode strings and 8-bit strings). Although all text is designed to follow Unicode, the instructed Unicode is signified as binary data. STR is the type that would hold text while bytes are the type that would be used to hold data. Also, the previous version includes quite a number of bugs that complicate the amalgamation of encoded and unencoded text. Python 3.0 (specifically) has brought text vs. data instead of Unicode vs. 8-bit.

New Syntax: Python 3.0 comes equipped with a horde of syntax changes: PEP 3107 reveals function argument and return value annotations. The framework aims at persuading experimentation through decorators or meta-classes. PEP 3104 now enables users to assign straightaway to a variable in an outer scope (but by using nonlocal x). PEP 3102, whereas, denotes keyword-only arguments. PEP 3132 lets users write aspects like a, b, *rest = some_sequence and also *rest, a = stuff.

Performance: Performance boost is a must with every latest version; though Python is recognized as one of the fastest technology in the industry still with Python 3.0 you will get even more. Python 3.0 steps down 10% than Python 2.5 when it gets up and runs the framework contributes to the elimination of special-casing for small integers. However, significant improvements in performance for Python 3.0 are expected in near future. While migrating to latest version, it is essential to know whether the latest version is really better or not; though the answer is always yes.

Standard Library Additions: Python is highly popular in the industry due to its large size library. In fact, the punch line for Python is "Batteries included" that means there is a large volume of libraries already available and the developer need not to worry for any functionality. The certified Python developer never needs any third party tools or codes for his application because all are expected to be there inside. But, the latest version has still some additional libraries for better programming. Python 3.0 brings the possibility of displaying tracebacks (limited though), embeds a LRU cache decorator for the user’s functions, and provides an enumerated type in the standard library. The GIL has also been enhanced and not to forget, the structure now lends support to built-in return generator expressions.

Many major packages landed to Python 3: This is the most attractive feature of Python 3 that no Python developer can ignore it at any cost. The world is moving around web industry. Every moment a new domain gets launched in the industry with an intention to do some excellence and get so much positive response from the users. With portable browsing devices, like smart phones and tablets, it becomes essential for every developer to put their hands efficiently over the web application development project in order to sustain in the competitive industry. Now with Python 3.0, many frameworks like numpy package for number crunching, DJango for web development and Flask, Pyramid etc are landed to industry to support Python developers in every possible manner. Moreover, if you want to develop modern web applications, smart sites then you must migrate to Python 3.x for better and quicker work done process with the help from these packages or frameworks etc.

Futuristic web app development with Python 3: Web application development is at its peak now. The web applications not just need to work perfectly fine but also give better user experience too. Technologies like Asynchronous web page design, integration of AJAX, JSON or JSONP are a sure shot formula for any enterprise standard web application. Fortunately, Python 3.0 when combines with DJango or Flask, it makes the process not only easier but also funnier. Interactive web app development and smart app development including web app, native app and hybrid app can be possible with Python 3.0. So, it’s definitely a great thing for the industry to move ahead with Python 3.0 to taste the true potential of the language to relate with the ever changing demand of the industry.

Other Tweaks: Agreed, Python 3.0 is incompatible with Python 2x list however, the framework offers various other positive changes including significant changes to the C API. There is Extension Module Initialization & Finalization, new buffer API, and renamed Boolean conversion C-level slot and method. The upgraded version furthermore has taken away C API support for restricted execution and for METH_OLDARGS and WITH_CYCLE_GC.

First ever back-ward compatible version: Yes! You heard it correctly. Python 3.0 is the first ever Python version that enables developers to move back if he does not find it really useful for his purpose. This creates a NO Loss situation for the migration process. So, when are you migrating to Python 3.x?

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Is Python Slower Than Other Languages?

“Programming languages that expand possibilities for developers and reduce real-world constraints are always appreciated in the world of web development. Python, a language with a set of rules, too provides varied features to its users to enhance their experience. However, the concern whether Python is slower than other languages or not has never really left most of us in the field. While it was certainly slower than other interpreted languages such as Java or Smalltalk, Python has evolved way too much for better post Google’s Unladen Swallow Project. Unlike others in certain ways, Python is “

Simple: It is a seamless, minimalistic language that sans complicated frills for developers. Yes, many times, we find lots of gossips about the huge size of Python; but huge does not imply complex. Though Python is fully loaded with all required and additional methods and classes but they are way simpler to use and implement. A newbie with little knowledge on programming can learn Python without much hassle. In fact, Python is an interesting language itself. The codes are funny and you will get everything from within the library itself. So it eliminates all unnecessary efforts from the developer with the help of highly optimized and light weight methods. In fact, the program basically allows users to concentrate on the solution to the problem and comes across as extremely simple to decipher. Python features a unique pseudo-code nature that further increases its dynamics as a language.

High-level Language: The free, open source platform has evolved into a high-level language. Experienced Python developers are not needed to worry about the low-level details. The program can easily manage the memory used by other programs and reduce complexities for its users. The functions and object oriented approach of Python will definitely help developers in building quick applications. It is nowhere slow as compared to other programming languages like C, C++ or Java etc. In fact, programming in Python is really a charm for the developers.

Extensible: While it lends support to methodologies like object-oriented programming and data structure design, Python is highly extensible as a programming language. It lets developers run a critical piece of code quickly without any hassle. The program even enables developers to integrate Python within their C/C++ programs – as a result of which, they can easily experience scripting capabilities for their projects. What is more? A Python developer can integrate other web domain specific libraries or plug-ins for enhanced user experience. Though, you will hardly need any external resources for the Python application; because all are available within the library itself. Still if you need more customization for your application, you can opt for extensions using those third party tools and libraries.

Improved Library Modules: Python has enormously improved its performance standards by embedding support for improved library modules. Now, collections.OrderedDict is applied in C – which touts to accelerate the performance between four times to 100 times. The program even allows users to pass bytes to the tempfile module’s API’s – which will further return the transitory pathname as bytes (earlier, it used to return as STR). By this way, Python has improved its efficiency to a large extend for the industry. The major thing is that all the methods and classes of Python are highly optimized and hence we can expect exceptional quality of performance in real time situation.

Windows Improvements: There is another reason why Python is no longer considered slower than other languages and that is – Windows improvements. The programming language now features a new installer for Windows and has replaced the worn-out MSI. Not just this, the program also has included dedicated syntax for declaring co-routines. With this, the performance standard of Python has increased to a higher level.

Security Improvements: Python is highly secure and it enables developers in designing extremely safe environment for their user. Starting from memory management to database security all are well taken cared by Python itself. It has enhanced its security features with a new interchangeable, safe hash algorithm. There is a brand new command line option for isolate mode and the ability for users to conveniently make recently built file descriptors non-inheritable. Python even provides significant enhancements under its ssl.SSLContext class. So the developer neither the client needs to bother about security issues if their application is developed in Python by an efficient developer. With the improved security features, Python never lay you down in terms of performance or speed.

Python provides all modern amenities without compromising on the quality of application: Yes, Python has kept the door open for developers in developing enterprise standard web applications with responsiveness as the most valuable feature. With HTML5, CSS3 and jQuery one can easily build enterprise standard responsive applications that can impart similar user experience in all these modern smart devices like smart phones and tablets. It also enables Python web developers in building light weight high performance web solutions for these devices with low memory. With HTML5 canvas, it can render visually attractive graphics and design on the web page. What is more? You want to integrate Cloud? Done!! Take this from within the Python environment. Now with Python, you can integrate cloud storage in your application that will let your users store their data over cloud like Amazon, Azure or Google Drive etc. It will definitely help your users feel privileged and futuristic.

Modular & Definitive: Lastly, this accessible language for programmers is widely modular in its approach. Compared to other programming languages like PHP, Python is a lot less complicated. The program renders unsurpassed readability and can speedily be run on the servers. Python’s neat, exquisite layout further makes it much simpler to write codes.

The object-oriented Python is a very powerful programming language that has evolved into a more reliable, steady tool for web application development. While Unladen Swallow Project has given it a boost, the language could revive mainly for the new exciting features that it has unleashed in past. There are also many Python frameworks for the industry like Django and all. Django is one of the most popular web frameworks of the industry. With Django, one can build highly robust and high performance web solutions on the fly. It makes the coding effort much easier than before. So, in no manner Python is slower as compared to other languages!!

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What Makes Python Suitable for Web Development?

Python- Reinvented in web era: Python was conceived in 1980s and get born in 90s and reinvented in 21st century. It was highly inspired from C++ and Java. The tagline of Python is Batteries included that means it is pre loaded with all required methods, classes and modules. Probably it has the largest size of libraries in the industry. Hence, it makes the development process not only faster but also easier. Well before it get reinvented by Google, it was in a haphazard manner but it get a new look and shape by Google through its ambitious project i.e. Unladen Swallow. During this project the entire approach and internal design process get modified along with deletion of many duplicate components. This process helped the framework to perform much better than before. Anyway, though Python has the capability to develop any type of application, but it is widely used for developing enterprise standard web solutions in recent period. Web applications that need both power and speed can take the help of python developers in building industry standard web solutions. Let us see how it can help the web developers of the industry and up to which extent?

Python is superfast: Python is having a large volume of libraries and it helps the python developer in developing quick python application or web application without compromising on the quality. Moreover these libraries are highly optimised and developed by expert python developers. Hence when you used them in your web application, you will definitely get more efficiency and optimised product as the output. Well if an application is highly optimised then we can say it must be superfast and the same happens with python applications. Usually all the python applications are highly stable and superfast in nature. Hence there is a tremendous demand of python developers in the industry especially for data driven web applications.

Python is extremely secure: python is having all the necessary an important security features available for its web developers. As a smart python web developer, you can adopt any of these highly secure encryption technologies. You can implement 256 bit encryption technology in your web application to make it even more secure than before. Moreover, you can also use multi tier security steps to avoid any single loop hole in your application.

Python can handle the modern demand: Well to get success in recent period, you must adopt all modern technologies in your web application like responsive web design, cloud technology and smart phone app development etc. Fortunately, python keeps the potential to integrate all these modern amenities without much hassle. A Python web developer can integrate HTML5, CSS3 to design responsive web application that can fit to any size of screen resolution like for smart phone and tablet. Moreover, you can also integrate cloud storage on your application to give ultimate user experience.

Strong community support: There is a huge community of Python developers in the industry and they work hard for 24x7 to help others during their difficulties. So, you need not to bother for support once you choose Python as your development tool. To get maximum benefits of Python development, you may consider hiring services of a Python development company.

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