Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Python is an interpreted, high-level programming language known for its simplicity and readability. It is widely used in various domains such as web development, scientific computing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more.
Related terms
Syntax: Syntax refers to the set of rules that define the structure and organization of code written in Python (or any other programming language).
Interpreter: An interpreter is a program that reads and executes code line by line. In the case of Python, it interprets Python code and converts it into machine-readable instructions.
A library is a collection of pre-written functions or modules that can be used to perform specific tasks. Python has an extensive standard library as well as numerous third-party libraries available for use.