# Python: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> Python is a general-purpose, high-level, open-source programming language known for its readable syntax.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/technology/python.html

# Python

Python is a general-purpose, high-level, open-source programming language known for its readable syntax

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

Created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991, it runs through an interpreter on most operating systems and supports several programming styles, including object-oriented, procedural and functional. It is maintained by the Python Software Foundation.

It is used in data analysis, science, machine learning and artificial intelligence, automation, web development and education, thanks to a large ecosystem of libraries such as pandas, NumPy and Django. Its readability makes it a common first language, although for highly speed-critical tasks it is combined with components written in other languages.

Topics

[Technology and data](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/tecnologia-y-datos)

## Related concepts

- [Machine learning](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/digital-marketing/machine-learning.html)
- [Open source](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/open-source.html)
- [Java](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/java.html)