(Sponsors) Get started learning Python with DataCamp's free Intro to Python tutorial. Learn Data Science by completing interactive coding challenges and watching videos by expert instructors. Start Now!
Pros & Cons of Using Python For Web Development
Posted on Jan 28, 2020
Python over the years has emerged as a dynamic, flexible, and highly capable programming language that many programmers choose over the traditional options such as C++ and Java. Python has gained huge popularity among many web developers as well. While the web developer community is divided into the effectiveness of Python for building feature-rich websites, it is time to measure the pros and cons of the language in detail.
In this respect, we must give attention to all the leading websites and popular web platforms that have used Python successfully. Let's have a quick look at some of the leading websites and web apps built using Python.
- Instagram: This hugely popular social media platform catering to more than 4 million daily users used Python as the core technology.
- Spotify: This music streaming app that sets the standard for the music streaming industry is built using Python.
- Disqus: This hugely popular commenting plugin that is used for as many as 50 million comments every month used Python as the core programming language.
From the examples as mentioned above, it is clear that Python, as a web-ready powerful language, really suits a variety of development projects across the spectrum. No wonder Python is now a widely used language for websites across a variety of niches, including travel, administration, education, entertainment, social media, healthcare, and enterprise websites.
In spite of the various benefits, many web developers still do not prefer Python for their projects or find some other language for their development projects. This is why here we are going to explain the key pros and cons of Python in a balanced manner.
Pros of Python for Web Development #
Let's begin by explaining the key advantages and benefits that Python offers for the web and app developers. Here we picked up the top benefits of Python for web development.
Easy to Use Programming Language #
The biggest draw of Python programming language is that it is extremely easy to use for web projects, and here below, we explain the key factors responsible for this ease of use.
Lowest Learning Curve #
In spite of being a programming language, it is as easy to learn as the English language in use in everyday life. The simple syntax ensures a really low learning curve for this language.
Great for Visualising Data #
When it comes to data representation through a website or app, Python comes as a super-efficient programming language option for the web developers. It can easily allow creating easy to understand reports and visual presentation of data.
Easy to Read Language #
With easy and straightforward syntax Python offers excellent readability to the web app developers and helps easy understanding of the code. This ensures more accessible communication and knowledge for the developers in a project.
Unmatched Flexibility #
Python is a highly flexible programming language that doesn't remain constrained within its world and can integrate a number of languages and implementations in the programming process. For example, CPython, which is a Python version with C, IronPython, which is another Python offshoot, creates for compatible performance with .NET and C# and PyObjc or Python written with ObjectiveC toolkits can be cited as an example.
Asynchronous Coding #
We all know that asynchronous coding patterns help solve many problems that web developers face from time to time. The good news is that Python supports and maintains asynchronous code. Allowing each code to run separately helps to solve and address problems more quickly.
Powerful Programming #
Python is a powerful programming language that ensures most of the qualitative parameters common to websites and modern apps. Here are some of the critical aspects that make Python so powerful as a programming language.
Cons of Using Python for Web Development #
In spite of all the advantages mentioned above, Python has some serious limitations as well. Let us explain these shortcomings in brief.
Speed Limitations: Python being an interpreted programming language is slower than other programming languages.
Threading Issues: The Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) of Python doesn't allow executing more than one thread at a given time. This creates significant limitations for the language.
Simplicity: While the simplicity of the Python programming language seems to be an advantage, it is also one of the key drawbacks of the language. The programmers habituated with simple syntax often find it difficult to switch to languages with complex syntax such as Java. This is why, with the extensive libraries and late-binding dynamic models, it becomes challenging to shift to a new language from Python.
Conclusion #
In all counts, the big pros of Python programming language win over the shortcomings and lacking the language. Because of the unmatched flexibility, ease of use, and modularity of the language, it is continuing to be a favorite option for web developers across the spectrum.
Author Bio
Paul Osborne is Chief Technology Officer at Cerdonis Technologie LLC- Mobile app development company providing service of live streaming mobile app development since 2006 around the world. After Having years of experience in web & app development I always spent my spare time in reading blogs on new technologies and I love to share my thoughts, ideas and opinions on technologies by writing blogs.
Other Tutorials (Sponsors)
This site generously supported by DataCamp. DataCamp offers online interactive Python Tutorials for Data Science. Join over a million other learners and get started learning Python for data science today!
View Comments