Python is a widely used general-purpose, high-level programming language.
Advantages of Python:
- Python is easy and fast to learn.
- Python's syntax is clear and readable.
- Python's syntax allows programmers to express concepts in fewer lines of code than would be possible in languages such as C.
- Python provides constructs intended to enable clear programs on both a small and large scale.
- Python's design philosophy emphasizes code readability.
- Simple to get support.
- Fast to Code, i.e. it is easier and faster to code a problem in Python than in C, C++ or Java, just to mention a few other languages.
- Python is portable, i.e. it runs on multiple platforms and systems, like e.g. Linux and Microsoft Windows.
- Python supports multiple programming paradigms, including object-oriented, imperative and functional programming or procedural styles.
- Python features a dynamic type system and automatic memory management and has a large and comprehensive standard library.
- Python is trendy, i.e more and more successful companies switch to Python, like Google did a long time ago.
The Ten Commandments of Egoless Programming, as originally established in Jerry Weinberg's book The Psychology of Computer Programming:
- Understand and accept that you will make mistakes. The point
is to find them early, before they make it into production. Fortunately,
except for the few of us developing rocket guidance software at JPL,
mistakes are rarely fatal in our industry, so we can, and should, learn,
laugh, and move on.
- You are not your code. Remember that the entire point of a
review is to find problems, and problems will be found. Don't take it
personally when one is uncovered.
- No matter how much "karate" you know, someone else will always know more. Such an individual can teach you some new moves if you ask. Seek and accept input from others, especially when you think it's not needed.
- Don't rewrite code without consultation. There's a fine line
between "fixing code" and "rewriting code." Know the difference, and
pursue stylistic changes within the framework of a code review, not as a
lone enforcer.
- Treat people who know less than you with respect, deference, and patience.
Nontechnical people who deal with developers on a regular basis almost
universally hold the opinion that we are prima donnas at best and
crybabies at worst. Don't reinforce this stereotype with anger and
impatience.
- The only constant in the world is change. Be open to it and
accept it with a smile. Look at each change to your requirements,
platform, or tool as a new challenge, not as some serious inconvenience
to be fought.
- The only true authority stems from knowledge, not from position.
Knowledge engenders authority, and authority engenders respect – so if
you want respect in an egoless environment, cultivate knowledge.
- Fight for what you believe, but gracefully accept defeat.
Understand that sometimes your ideas will be overruled. Even if you do
turn out to be right, don't take revenge or say, "I told you so" more
than a few times at most, and don't make your dearly departed idea a
martyr or rallying cry.
- Don't be "the guy in the room." Don't be the guy coding in
the dark office emerging only to buy cola. The guy in the room is out of
touch, out of sight, and out of control and has no place in an open,
collaborative environment.
- Critique code instead of people – be kind to the coder, not to the code.
As much as possible, make all of your comments positive and oriented to
improving the code. Relate comments to local standards, program specs,
increased performance, etc.
References:
The Psychology of Computer Programming by Gerald M. Weinberg (Publication Date: September 1998, Edition: Anl Sub). This landmark 1971 classic is reprinted with a new
preface, chapter-by-chapter commentary, and straight-from-the-heart
observations on topics that affect the professional life of programmers.