Python 3 is a general-purpose programming language for building applications, from reusable modules to larger systems. Its clear, expressive syntax supports practical problem solving while leaving room for maintainable development habits, community tools, and third-party packages. section 1.0 section 1.6
Python is flexible across programming styles. You can organize code with control flow and reusable functions, model state with classes, pass functions as first-class objects, or respond to events in applications. section 1.3.1
Python supports development practices that scale beyond isolated scripts:
- Use functions and modules to divide work into reusable parts. section 1.0 section 1.3.1
- Choose conventions and idioms that make code consistently maintainable. section 1.0
- Treat Python as one tool in a broader developer toolbelt, rather than assuming it fits every problem. section 1.6 section 12.3.5
Choosing Python 3
New projects should use Python 3; the reference implementation is Python 3.10.3. Python 2 reached end of life on January 1, 2020, while Python 3 receives newer features, current syntax, broader support, and active library development. section 1.4
