Hidden Features of Python That Should be Known to Developers
Unlike other programming languages, Python can be used for both scripting and non-scripting contexts. The high-level programming language is also used widely by developers across the world for general purposes. In addition to enhancing code reusability, Python further enable developers to accomplish complicated tasks without writing longer lines of code. However, programmers often fail to take advantages of all features and capabilities of Python. That is why; it is important for developers to know some of the hidden features of this dynamic programming language.
Seven Useful Tips to Optimize Python Programming
1) Exception Handing: The quality of a software application can be affected hugely if the exceptions are not handled in the most appropriate and graceful way. As a dynamic programming language, Python allows programmers to control the flow of programs through effective error handling. For instance, the EOFError can be used to make the program break out of the loop if the user enters wrong sort of data. The user will be further informed about the error through an error message.
2) User Input Validation: Often developers have to write lengthy and complex code to completely validate user input. However, they have to consider the sorts of information a user can enter while accessing the software. Python enables programmers to validate user input to ensure that the program received only the right sort of information without writing any additional code. Also, they can use exception handlings to implement some of the more advanced techniques of user input validation.
3) String Formatting Code: The programmers also have option to use Python string formatting codes to easily print a number of variables in a single string. For instance, the developers can use several formatting codes including s for string conversion, c for character, I for integer, x for hexadecimal integer, d for signed decimal integer and so on. At the same time, they also have option to modify the output by passing parameters to the basic code.
4) Using Dictionary to Sort a List: Often developers store complex data by using a list of lists. But they have to write additional lines of code to sort or print the list of lists. The Python programmers have option to sort and print the list of lists simply by using a Python dictionary. The use a Python dictionary will include the key that will be used to sort the list. They have further option to specify multiple sorting keys to optimize the process of sorting and printing the list of lists.
5) Optimize the Use of Classes: Python further makes it easier for developers to use classes without writing longer lines of code. They can simply create a separate file that will include the classes and class methods. The program needs to begin with an import class line to call the file stored inside the modules folder. The same process can also be used to import their own modules into the program.
6) Using Python IDE: The programmers can further choose from Integrated Development Environment (IDEs) to work with Python more efficiently. In addition to providing templates for common code, the Python IDEs will further facilitate syntax highlighting, source control, and code completion. Based on the needs of their project, programmers can choose from a range of Python IDEs including Eclipse, Komodo Edit and PyCharm.
7) Basic and Advanced CGI: The web programmers can convert a regular python program into a CGI script without putting any extra effort. Normally, developers use web forms to accomplish interaction with CGI scripts. As Python can also be used as a scripting language, the code can be easily incorporated into a web page. The Python code will process the form input, and return the data send from the server to web browser in HTML format. So the HTML form need not be separated from the Python CGI script.
In addition to knowing the hidden features of Python, the programmers also need to be familiar with several Python development best practices. At the same time, they must explore ways to optimize the usage of the programming language to save their time and efforts.
We provide Python portal development services. If you would like to hire Python developers for your development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.