As one of the most popular programming languages today, Python’s terminology is key for any aspiring Python programmer. Python can be used for numerous projects including machine learning, web development, and data analytics. Understanding our list of Python terms will help you succeed in the tech industry.
If you are interested in learning Python, or if you want to communicate efficiently with developers, then our glossary of Python terminology will help get you started. Aspiring programmers and professional developers can use our Python terminology cheat sheet to learn more about advanced terms.
What Is Python?
Python is a high-level, object oriented programming language created by Guido Van Rossum in 1991. Python is used across a large range of programming tasks. It is a general-purpose language that can be employed in nearly anything ranging from application development to artificial intelligence to finance.
Python is written in a language similar to English and is easy to learn. Its simple syntax, along with its built-in functions and extensive libraries, makes Python a top choice among developers. Anyone, regardless of their tech skills, can easily take up Python and build their proficiency in this language.
Who Uses Python Terminology?
Python terminology is most commonly used in the IT industry. However, unlike other programming languages, Python has numerous applications in both tech and non-tech fields. Therefore, Python can be employed by accountants and scientists in their day-to-day activities, like classifying tasks or organizing finances.
Some common examples of professionals who use Python terminology include game developers, computer and information research scientists, data analysts, artificial intelligence engineers, software developers, web developers, and computer network architects.
List of Python Terms: Things Every Programmer Should Know
- Abstract Base Class
- Argument
- Associative Array
- Asynchronous Generator Function
- Class
- Descriptor
- Exhausted Iterator Object
- Global Interpreter Lock
- Interactive Interpreter
- Iterator
- Metaclass
- Multi-processor machines
- Nested Scope
- Object
- Programming Error
- Python Array
- Pythonic
- Special Methods
- Statement
- Virtual Machine
Glossary of Python Terminology: 5 Common Python Terms
Proficient knowledge of Python terminology will improve your programming skills and help you convey your ideas to other developers. This section contains a list of the most commonly used Python terms and definitions you will come across as a budding programmer.
Argument
An argument is a value that is given to a function when it is called. It is specified and enclosed together with the function name in parentheses. The four main types of arguments are default argument, keyword argument, positional argument, and arbitrary argument. Arguments can be objects, variables, or values.
Why Programmers Needs to Know About Arguments
Programmers need to learn about arguments to efficiently pass information into functions. It can easily be mistaken for a parameter, which is the input variable enclosed in parentheses during the function definition. Knowledge of arguments will help you to differentiate between the two and use them effectively.
Class
A class is a template for creating objects in Python. Every class has an object method, class attributes, and instances for modifying the state of the class. Classes are created within Python by using the Python keyword class.
Why Programmers Needs to Know About Classes
Classes are an integral part of Python programming because various pieces of code are implemented with classes. Aspiring programmers must learn how to use classes and understand the properties of classes. Examples of class properties include class methods, class variables, super classes, user-defined classes, and syntax classes.
Object
An object is anything you want to modify while coding in Python. When working with object oriented languages like Python, objects are usually the things you think about first when developing a program. An object is an instance of the class which allows us to access the class attributes.
Why Programmers Needs to Know About Objects
Objects, along with classes, are an essential part of object oriented programming. Python programming revolves around objects and every object belongs to a class. For instance, a float variable belongs to a float class. Developers must master object creation and terminology like immutable objects, individual objects, and user-defined objects to successfully run their programs.
Python Array
A Python array is a special variable that can contain many items of the same data types. An array is used to store and arrange data in an organized format. You can create an array and define the array elements in Python by using the array module.
Why Programmers Needs to Know About Python Arrays
Python arrays make it easier to store and work with multiple values of the same Python data type. Arrays are used by nearly every programmer and have been around for a long time. Therefore, as a novice coder, you must understand what an array is and know how to use arrays correctly when coding.
Statement
A statement is a piece of code containing instructions that a Python interpreter can execute. Everything written in Python programming is a statement. A looping statement, conditional statement, assignment statement, and print statement are all examples of different types of statements in Python.
Why Programmers Needs to Know About Statements
All programmers must learn the correct way to write statements. Without the right syntax, there would be programming errors. For example, Java, C++, and C use curly braces to define a block of code. Some languages use square brackets. Python uses indentation. Proper use of statements and knowledge of statement rules is crucial for the successful execution of programs.
Python Terminology Cheat Sheet: 5 Advanced Python Terms
Advanced Python terminology requires a deeper understanding of the Python programming language. These complex terms can be tricky to understand at first, but even a basic understanding will go a long way.
Descriptor
A descriptor is used to write reusable codes between classes and implement underlying functions of objects, such as class methods and static methods features. It allows programmers to manage the class attribute.
Why Programmers Should Know About Descriptors
Understanding descriptors is crucial for gaining a deep understanding of the Python programming language. Descriptors are the basis of multiple Python features such as class methods, functions, properties, static methods, and super classes.
Nested Scope
A nested scope is the use of a function inside another function. This nested function can access and use the variables within the enclosed scope of the outer function. It offers reference but doesn’t provide assignments to the innermost scope.
Why Programmers Should Know About Nested Scopes
Developers use nested scopes to implement closures in lines of code. Closures can provide a better and more elegant solution to prevent the use of global values and hide data. This can greatly simplify the process of passing data between the original function and the nested function.
Pythonic
Pythonic is a term used to describe a piece of code that agrees with the conventions and common idioms of Python, rather than utilizing concepts common to other programming languages.
Why Programmers Should Know About Pythonic
Programmers coding with Python must learn to write pythonic codes that satisfy the syntax rules, leverage Python’s unique features, and agree with the convention of the Python community. Codes that do not meet these criteria are called unpythonic codes. Unpythonic codes are patterns common to other languages and often come from programmers who typically use other languages.
Metaclass
The metaclass is a class of a class that determines class behavior. In this case, the class will serve as an instance of the metaclass, just like an object serves as an instance of the class.
Why Programmers Should Know About Metaclasses
A metaclass serves as a blueprint for class creation. It uses the class definition of a class name, class dictionary, and a list of base classes to create a class. Programmers employ metaclasses for logging attribute access, implementing singletons, and tracking object creations.
Iterators
Iterators are objects that can be iterated to return data, one element at a time. It contains a countable number of values and represents a stream of data in the code block.
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Why Programmers Should Know About Iterator
Programmers employ iterators to generate the next element of an iterated object, such as lists, sets, and tuples. They also build iterators through generator functions with yield expressions. Iterators are useful when working with very large data sets.
How Can I Learn Python Terminology in 2022?
The best way to learn Python terminology is by enrolling in a Python bootcamp. These coding bootcamps offer short intensive programs that introduce students to the fundamentals of Python programming and equip them with the necessary skills to begin their tech careers.
Another way you can improve your knowledge of Python terminology is by taking online courses, attending online tutorials, and reading Python books. Coursera, Codeacademy, Udemy, and Python.org are popular elearning platforms that can help you.
Python FAQ
Python terminology that beginners must know are class variable, class attribute, class dictionary, type objects, and built-in types. You should also know terms like default value, loop variable, first-class object, and argument types like positional argument or keyword argument.
There are 33 keywords in the Python programming language. Python keywords are special words used to define the syntax of the code block.
Python is used for machine learning, data analytics, data visualization, programming application, web development, and game development, to mention a few.
The basic data types in Python are integer, floating-point number, complex number, character string, and boolean type.
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