Why is Python the Ideal Programming Language for AI and Data Science?

Author(s): Kristy Hill

Originally published on Towards AI.

Is Python the preferred programming language for AI and Data Science today? If yes, then let’s learn the logical reasons in this article, along with why it is an ideal choice of programmers?

Undoubtedly, since computers were invented, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science are the most advanced approaches of this era and pushing various industries to the next level.

Have you realized the fact that now your apps can hear, see and respond to your queries? Isn’t exactly what you are expecting from your AI and data science-based projects to meet the future demand of the industry?

If your answer is yes, then you might be facing two critical questions right here: how to integrate these technologies into your business and what is the best programming language you need to consider for AI and Data Science? Consider using Python for AI and Data Science!

However, many of you are wondering, that why I’m in love with Python here and considering it for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science over other popular programming languages, including PHP, Swift, JavaScript…? What makes it different from other languages?

To get in-depth of this concept, here is the list of points that have been covered in this blog for you:

What is Python?

Python As The Leading Language for AI and Data Science

Why Did It Consider As a Most Powerful Programming Language Today?

Use Cases of Python, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Hal Abelson, a famous professor of electrical engineering, says, “ A powerful programming language is more than just a means for instructing a computer to perform tasks. The language also serves as a framework within which we organize our ideas about processes”. And this is very much true with the Python programming language!

Let’s learn, HOW?

Understanding The Basics of Python

Python is an easy-to-learn, simple to access, object-oriented programming languages launched in December 1989 by the Godfather of Python, Guido Van Rossum.

Over the years, Python is ruling the mobile app development industry when it comes to choosing the programming language- easy to use, having open source licensing, and simple accessibility. Apart, Python is considered a popular language because it provides excellent support for the community and with sample programs.

Apart, Python is the unique programing language that many web development company widely use it to develop applications ranging from GUI-based programs, Artificial Intelligence to Big data science systems.

Also, the availability of an extensive standard of a library in the source makes it possible for programmers to customize the application according to their business needs.

However, do you know what makes programmers fall in love with Python- its increasing productivity?

While editing, testing, and debugging cycle are much faster than other languages; therefore, Python web development companies consider it the most potential languages.

Is Python A Perfect Language for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence?

In recent times, “Data” has emerged as powerful tools for future technologies, including Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. And, by keeping in mind the latest market trends, now the success of the enterprises dramatically hinges on the ability to grab the meaningful insights from complex data structures. And, this is where Data Science comes into the role, simplifying things and help you extract the right insights from the unmatched follow of data.

But the biggest twist in a tail comes here!

We need the best tool to leverage this technique to turn raw data into the proper format of visualization. There are popular programming languages, including PHP, JavaSCript, C++, that can be accessed for making meaning out of the data. However, nothing can beat can flexibility, simplicity, and versatility of Python. Today, it is playing an essential role in bringing Data Science and Artificial Intelligence to future app development projects.

According to the Bussiness Broadway survey report 2019, Python has become a much-needed programing language to execute the Data Science and AI tasks. Every 3 out of 4 data professionals recommended that aspiring data analysts firstly learn Python to turn data insights into reporting format.

While Data Science and AI are majorly based on the quality and quantity of data you use for the task, therefore, the full-fledged programming nature of Python makes it a perfect fit for incorporating statistical codes and algorithms into the production database.

Python’s packages, including NumPy, SciPy, and Pandas, have emerged as the best package for producing good results for data analysis tasks.

Python As a Leading Programing Language for AI

Well, this is all we read about why Python is paving the path in the field of Data Science. Now let’s understand Python as a leading programming language for AI…

With the pool of programming languages available to empower you to develop AI-based applications, many of you surprised to know why I have chosen Python. So what is the big deal with Python?

Python comes up with a considerable amount of inbuilt libraries that influenced the fact that Python is quickly spreading in the area of AI. The extensive range of frameworks and libraries for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, making it the most preferred language for artificial intelligence development companies. Some of the popular libraries are Tensorflow, Pylearn2, Scikit learns, and the list keeps going.

Secondly, Python is known for its robust, easy implementation and large community. Even programmers with basic knowledge can access this language and do wonders.

Why Python Suddenly Becomes a Piece of Cake?

Over the years, choosing the best programming languages between a variety of languages is one of the current debates between programmers. However, your preferred language is undoubtedly the one which you are most comfortable to access and enables you to get the job done efficiently. And one such programming language is Python.

Is Python Important and Useful?

The simplicity and versatility of this programing language make it an ideal choice for both beginners and experts. Secondly, it’s readability makes it an outstanding programing language and allows you to think like a programmer instead of jumbling you with complicated syntax. Just imagine how you would code “Good Morning” in Python and PHP.

Still not agreed? Let’s dig deep in the reasons:

1. Simple and Easy To Understand

Python is beginners friendly language and, at the same time, empowering experts to develop complex applications leveraging the simplicity of writing. If you are looking for a stepping stone in the field of programming language, then Python is the ideal choice for you. As this language is closely resembled with everyday English, though many developers find it easy to write, read, and understand. While Python’s codes are ten times shorter than Java, so basic tasks can be accomplished with less coding.

2. Python Is Dynamic and Broad

Since it’s easy to understand and simple to use, it doesn’t mean that it is limited to simple tasks. The broad spectrum and versatility of this language allow you to manage cross-language operations without any hurdle seamlessly. From building your APIs to developing automated messaging bots, you can make anything with Python.

Furthermore, the best part is Python is kind to forgive your errors and allow you to run your program despite being fixing the problem area.

3. Compatibility to Run On All Platforms

Did you know why a large number of companies prefer to hire web developer to meet their development needs?

Apart, being user-friendly, Python is the language that is compatible with all platforms and can run everywhere. Whether it will be Windows, Unix, or Linux, you can seamlessly access this language on any platform.

4. Python Has Active and Supportive Community

Whether you are just stepping into the programming world or hiring the Python developer, you will get the support of a vast community. The larger the community is, the better support you can expect from the community. They can help you develop useful tools and help you to manage the process of development with ease.

No matter how many years of experience you have in development, there comes a time when you need help or support. And python’s developer’s community is really active! There are plenty of tutorials, guides, and documentation that incredibly support beginners and experts with real-time assistance.

5. Python is Efficient

Everybody is familiar with the fact of how recent technology is taking a sharp turn towards “Big Data Science”. Many of you wonder why I have mentioned this term here. Is it relevant to Python?

Yes, definitely and quickly becoming a leading language for many data scientists these days. With the release of Python Numerical Engines such as Panda and Numpy, the processing of various things have become far more straightforward and more accessible. From grabbing the source data one at a time to passing it through the full processing chain, seems to be a simple task with Python generators.

Use Cases of Python, Data Science and AI- That Changing the World

Amazon, Walmart, Alibaba, eBay: Transforming Ecommerce With Data Science

Right from the day laying the brick of their foundation, these top eCommerce brands are striving hard to become a one-stop-shop platform for the users. So what makes them dominant leaders of Ecommerce?

They heavily use data science, data mining, and artificial learning to understand and monitor user behaviour, including shopping preferences, product choice, and budget. All this collected data helps them in making real predictions that they further use to maintain inventory and provide similar products to offer personalized shopping experience.

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Vudu: A Silent Death of Televisions

Have you ever imagined that you can ever access to such entertainment apps that replace your television? Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence have made it possible for you. With such apps like Netflix, Vudu, Amazon Prime, and more, you can watch your choice of videos, at your preferred time and on your choice of a device with just a good internet connection. Data Science helps Netflix to understand user’s viewing patterns, likes and dislikes and according suggest relevant content to view.

Bank Of America, HDFC, Axis Bank: Tailoring the Customer Experience With AI Chatbots

World’s leading banks are leveraging data science, AI, and ML for enhancing user experience and providing instant assistance to their customers. And Chatbots are the most innovative and advanced adoption for the various businesses. With the useful insights and corporate data, Chatbots not only instantly reply to your query but also prevent frauds regarding credit cards, accounting, and insurance.

Ending Note

Hopefully, you understand why Python is considered as the most demanding language for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

As Python comes with the multiple visualization options and offering a wide choice of libraries, it makes it easier for the software development company to maximize the value from the data. With Python as the potential data science tool, it becomes easier to explore the basics of data science and artificial intelligence. Both novice and expert can access this language for Data Science and AI with a minimal learning curve and cut short the calculations.

Let us know what you think about this programming language for AI and Data Science in the comments below.

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Published via Towards AI