1.6. What's Python Good For?

Because Python is used in a wide variety of ways, it's almost impossible to give an authoritative answer to this question. As a general-purpose language, Python can be used for almost anything computers are capable of. Its feature set applies to both rapid and longer-term development modes. And from an abstract perspective, any project that can benefit from the inclusion of a language optimized for speed of development is a good target Python application domain. Given the ever-shrinking schedules in software development, this is a very broad category.

A more specific answer is less easy to formulate. For instance, some use Python as an embedded extension language, and others use it exclusively as a standalone programming tool. To some extent, this entire book will answer this very question—it explores some of Python's most common roles. For now, here's a summary of some of the more common ways Python is being applied today: