Python Programming Overview

Questions and Answers

What is significant about Python's design philosophy?

It prioritizes execution speed over code readability.

It uses complex syntax to enhance flexibility.

It avoids support for multiple programming paradigms.

It emphasizes significant indentation for better readability. (correct)

Which version of Python was the last release of the Python 2 series?

Python 2.7.18 (correct)

Python 2.0

Python 3.0

Python 2.6.5

What major change occurred with the release of Python 3.0?

It was a major revision not fully compatible with earlier versions. (correct)

It was completely backward-compatible with Python 2.

It added support for only procedural programming.

It introduced static typing to the language.

Who was the sole lead developer of Python until 2018?

Guido van Rossum Signup and view all the answers

What feature is associated with the Python 2.0 release?

Inclusion of cycle-detecting garbage collection. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial end-of-life date for Python 2.7 before it was postponed?

2015 Signup and view all the answers

Which Python version introduced the | union type operator?

Python 3.10 Signup and view all the answers

How much faster is Python 3.11 claimed to be compared to Python 3.10?

10 to 60% Signup and view all the answers

Which utility is provided with Python 3 to automate the translation of Python 2 code?

2to3 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following Python versions were expedited for security updates in 2022?

Python 3.7.14 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Python

Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language designed for code readability through significant indentation.
It is dynamically typed and utilizes garbage collection.
Supports multiple programming paradigms: structured, object-oriented, and functional programming.
Often referred to as a "batteries included" language due to its extensive standard library.

History of Python

Guido van Rossum initiated the development of Python in the late 1980s as a successor to the ABC programming language.
First released as Python 0.9.0 in 1991.
Python 2.0 launched in October 2000, introducing features like list comprehensions and Unicode support.
Python 3.0 came out in December 2008, marking significant changes not fully backward-compatible with Python 2.
The final release of Python 2, version 2.7.18, occurred in 2020.

Development and Leadership

Van Rossum was the sole lead developer until July 2018, when he stepped down as "benevolent dictator for life" (BDFL).
In January 2019, a five-member Steering Council was elected to oversee Python's development.

Version History and Support

Python 2 reached its end-of-life in 2020, but PyPy continues to support Python 2.x unofficially.
Current support focuses on Python 3.8 and later versions, with only security updates for earlier versions.
The 2to3 utility assists in translating Python 2 code to Python 3.

Security Issues and Updates

In 2021 and 2022, expedited security updates were issued due to vulnerabilities allowing potential remote code execution.
Major releases in 2022 included Python 3.10.4, 3.9.12, and 3.8.13 to address security issues.

Recent Developments

Python 3.11 claims execution speed improvements of 10-60% compared to 3.10, with enhanced error reporting.
Python 3.12 introduced new features, including the keyword type and further improved performance and error messages.
Notable syntax additions include the | union type operator and match/case keywords for structural pattern matching introduced in version 3.10.

Description

This quiz covers the basics of Python, a high-level, general-purpose programming language. It highlights its design philosophy, coding practices, and the various programming paradigms it supports. Familiarize yourself with Python's features and its comprehensive standard library.