Common Enterprise Python Myths and What Busts Them

Enterprise Python is a much-debated topic with a large percentage convinced that Python is not suitable for adaptation at an enterprise level. Most of those claims are based upon mythological conclusions which have gathered dust over the years. You can find some of the most commonly uttered and believed myths regarding Python and learn for yourself why none of them come close to the truth about the magnificence of Python.

1. New Language

With an increasing number of people enquiring about Python and taking it up in order to learn the language, it is not too surprising that many consider Python to be a newcomer in the field. However, that is far from the truth. Python was released in 1991, which makes it 24 years old to date. It actually predates HTTP 1.0 by 5 years and Java by 4 years. It is about time people wake up to the fact that one of the top 10 programming languages creating waves today has been around for a lot longer than given credit for.

2. Not Compiled

Although Python does not require a separate toolchain as is the case with C++, Python definitely is a compiled language. Like Java and many other compiled languages, this versatile language is compiled to bytecode. Further compilation is left at the discretion of selected runtimes or process virtual machines.

3. Not Secure

The lightweight approach that is intrinsic to Python makes most people think that security is one of the areas compromised on while using Python as an Enterprise language. On the contrary, by adhering to the mantra of being simple, Python bypasses several issues which compromise security codes. Python presents a very small target as opposed to big systems which are overly centralised and tend to undercut comprehension of developers and hence, in contradiction to the most important tenet of security. Hashlib, PyCrypto and OpenSSL combine very effectively with onsite bindings to create strongly secured web environments.

4. Scripting Language

The dynamism of Python stems from the fact that it is a very general and extensible programming language which can be applied to perform a wide array of functions. To believe that Python is solely a scripting language is to mistake a tree for a forest.

Some of the various applications where you can see Python are:

• Telephony Infrastructure

• Numerical Analysis and Engineering

• Big Data

• Animation and Gaming

• Neuroscience and Psychology

• Media Storage and Processing

• Email Infrastructure

• Internet Infrastructure- DNS

• Security and Penetration System

Python has a large list of success stories along website and web service development applications. Python Engineers have a fun time pushing boundaries and unfolding the true potential Python holds in its utterly simple core.

5. Weakly Typed

To say that Python is weakly typed means an utter disrespect of a strong, fine type. Python’s type may vary from Java’s or lack certain elements that you want in a particular type. But if it comes to drawing comparisons, Python technically has a stronger type than Java.

6. Slow

It is counterproductive to critic Python as slow. The myth has risen out of minds which have mistaken a programming language for a runtime. There have many cases with Python Enterprise at PayPal where Python applications have outperformed Java and C++ based applications. For Python Engineers and developers, it is essential to draw out and the follow the steps which lead to the creation of optimized high performance software and applications. To know for yourself, go through the entire procedure as follows:

• Engineer for best behaviour and develop necessary tests to certify

• Measure and profile performances in order to identify all bottlenecks

• Optimize, keep in mind Python’s roots which go really deep into C and honour Amadahl’s Law and test suites

7. Does not Scale

YouTube, Ebay, Bittorrent and many similar programmes witness the scalability that is achieved by Python on an hourly basis. Python tends to lean towards horizontal scalability and hence the myth is created.