You are almost certainly aware that Python is a high-level programming language created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991. However, just in case you did not, that is just a reminder that its usability is virtually limitless as a general-purpose language. It can be used for web development and data science, as well as writing scripts and automating everyday tasks, from sending an email to notifications and so much more. It was not named after the snake but after Monty Python’s Flying Circus because van Rossum wanted something “unique, mysterious and short”.
In general terms, Python is a program used for web development, data science and machine learning, game development, data mining, web scraping, blockchain, system operations, and even hacking and programming robots. While some of those are clearly more ethical than others, it does demonstrate the versatility of this open-source language. Python can be freely used by anyone, even for commercial applications. Van Rossum wanted to create a powerful language with a massive standard library. However, that would have been almost impossible for one person, so he decided the best way to achieve his vision and get the language out there was to involve as many people as possible. It was not about making money but making something accessible that people would use and experiment with.
Over the years, it has been used by millions of people for hundreds of thousands of projects; here are some of its lesser-known uses.
Awesome Animations
One of the coolest uses of Python is its use to create awesome animations. Python is used for scripting in the movie industry, and in animated movies, it is the language that allows the characters’ lips to move in sync with the words. It is the quality of the lip-sync in movies like The Simpsons Movie, Inside Out 2 and the Despicable Me franchise that makes it feel that the characters are actually speaking. While the characters are voiced by well-known actors, they would never come to life and be realistic if their mouths did not move in time with the words.
You only have to think about watching a dubbed movie to know how hard it is to engage with the content when the actor does not appear to speak the words. Using programs like Python in parallel with Maya or Flash, animators combine words and visuals to create realistic, engaging characters.
Kerching!!!
Anyone who enjoys an online gamble might be mesmerized by the tumbling reels and flipping cards but probably does not pay that much attention to what is happening behind the scenes. However, a great online casino must have a bombproof backend and solid systems. Python is suitable for the backend development of online casinos due to its versatility and readability. With frameworks including Flask and Django, Python creates robust server-side logic to manage tasks like database interactions and user authentication. Its extensive libraries and ease of use would make it a popular choice for anyone developing an online casino in Canada.
Present Yourself
Everyone knows that PowerPoint, Google Slides and Keynote are good presentation packages, but they can be pretty restrictive and formulaic. However, people who use Python can make incredible presentations, and it is easy to incorporate video clips and even games into the slides. The only limit is your imagination, and because you are writing directly in Python, the whole thing will run much faster than anything similar that could be created in an ‘off the shelf’ GUI presentation package. There are loads of resources available if you fancy giving this a try next time you need to impress someone at work.
Sing a Song
Even if you do not fancy singing, you can still use Python to write a song or just about anything. It is a programming language that can be used for just about anything, particularly when combined with other user-friendly interfaces and programs like Sonic Pi. This interface allows users to create music and play it back on an acoustic piano. The program has preset songs, but Python will enable you to create your own and then play along with ease. You can also use Python to play music using a few simple lines of code or for speech recognition and text-to-speech technology.
Augment Reality
Augmented reality is pretty commonplace now and has expanded in popularity in recent times. Improvements to peripherals like Google Glass, Samsung Galaxy Gear, and the Apple Watch mean augmented reality is now available to almost anyone who wants to play with the technology, either as a user or as a creator. Python is an excellent tool for developing AR apps once you have sussed out how computer vision works. AR might still be best known for letting people introduce wild animals to their sitting rooms, but it has some pretty practical applications, too. It is used in gaming, product visualization, marketing campaigns, home design and architecture, education, and manufacturing.
Make a robot
Python can be used to make outstanding drones and robots. One of the more common uses for Python programming in the world of robotics is the creation of autonomous robots. People with a basic knowledge of how robots work can use Python to turn their ideas into functional creations and use their coding skills to manipulate existing devices used in everyday life. Rather than having to teach your robot every statement manually, programmers write a script that calculates, simulates and records the entire program. Using Python allows them to rapidly test and refine the robotic program and its logic.
Don’t worry, be appy
Python is a go-to language for many app developers, particularly those starting up and testing out ideas. As it is open-source, developers do not have to fork out for licence fee. However, it is not only start-ups and many large companies that use Python to create apps as it is well suited for building games and applications.
Anyone considering a programming and app development career should learn to code with Python and have this invaluable language in their repertoire.
