Speaking Pythonese

The Python community, like many groups, has its own language – and I don’t mean just Python. There are many words and phrases thrown around that may confuse people new to Python. I originally shared some terms in my article, Which Version of Python Should I Use?, but below are some more of those colloquialisms for quick reference:

Word or Phrase Meaning
Anaconda
  • Open-source implementation of Python (and R)
  • Meant for data scientists
  • Uses the conda package manager
Benevolent Dictator for Life (BDFL)
  • Guido van Rossum
  • The inventor of Python
  • Resigned in July 2018 but remains BDFL Emeritus
The CheeseShop
  • a fun code name for the Python Package Index
Class
  • A programming definition for creating objects
  • Combines attributes (variables) and behaviors (methods)
  • Useful for reusing code
Conda
  • Package manager for Python and other languages
  • Part of the Anaconda project
Core Developer
  • A developer who has commit privilege to the CPython codebase
  • Very few Pythonistas are core developers
CPython
  • The default and most widely used implementation of the Python language
  • Implemented in C
Django
  • A batteries-included Python Web framework for perfectionists with deadlines
  • Offers many features out of the box
  • The most popular Python framework in 2017
  • Size: Flask < Pyramid < Django
Flask
  • A microframework for Python Web development
  • Uses Werkzeug and Jinja2
  • Super-minimalist
  • Size: Flask < Pyramid < Django
Function
  • A definition for a callable subroutine
  • May take inputs
  • May return outputs
  • Great for code reuse
  • Functions are first-order values
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Python
  • A popular online guide to Python
  • Opinionated
  • Shares many good best practices
Jinja2
  • A Python template engine
  • Inspired by Django’s templates
Jupyter
  • A project for interactive Python development
  • “Jupyter Notebooks” allow programmers to dynamically rewrite and rerun Python code, and then share code easily with others
  • Popular with data scientists
Module
  • A Python source code file containing definitions and statements
  • Every .py file is a module
  • May be imported by other modules to reuse code
NumPy
  • A popular Python package for scientific computing
Pandas
  • A popular Python package for data analysis
pip
  • The PyPA-recommended tool for installing Python packages
  • Command: “pip install “
  • Recursive acronym for “pip installs packages”
PyBites
  • A community of Pythoneers who improve their skills through code challenges
PyCharm
  • A popular Python IDE developed by JetBrains
  • Offers great development features
  • Has a free Community Edition and a paid Professional Edition
PyCon
  • The annual Python conference held in North America
  • GO – it will change your life!
  • Several other conferences are held worldwide
PyPy
  • An alternative Python implementation
  • Known for speed, memory usage, and compatibility
  • Good alternative to CPython for high performance workloads
Pyramid
  • A Python Web framework
  • Start small, finish big, stay finished
  • Provides many parts but not everything (such as ORM)
  • Size: Flask < Pyramid < Django
pytest
  • A lightweight-yet-powerful Python test framework (and arguably the best)
Python 2
  • The old version of Python
  • Will reach end-of-life in 2020
  • Final version will be 2.7.x
  • Please upgrade to version 3
Python 3
  • The current version of Python
  • Most packages now support Python 3
  • Has incompatibilities with Python 2
  • Please don’t use Python 2
Python Enhancement Proposal (PEP)
  • Official proposals for enhancing the Python language
Python Package Index (PyPI)
The Python Software Foundation (PSF)
  • Non-profit organization
  • Keeps Python going strong
  • Support them!
Pythoneer
  • A programmer who uses Python to solve problems
  • Styled off the word “engineer”
Pythonic
  • Describes idiomatic code for Python
  • Closely related to conciseness, readability, and elegance
  • Highly recommended
  • Follow style guidelines to learn how to be Pythonic
Pythonista
  • Someone who loves the Python language
  • Often an advanced Python programmer
Sphinx
  • A popular Python tool to generate documentation
virtualenv
  • Tool to create isolated Python environments
  • Enables programmers to use different versions of Python and packages for different projects
  • Also see venv and pipenv
Web Server Gateway Interface (WSGI)
  • A specification for how Web servers forward requests to Web applications and frameworks
  • A core piece of Python Web development
  • See PEP-333 and PEP-3333
The Zen of Python
  • The list of guiding principles for Python’s design
  • Run “import this” to see them
  • See PEP-20

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