Python 2 vs. Python 3: Which Should You Learn in 2024?
Python is a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language that has revolutionized the tech world since its inception in 1991. Loved by industries globally for its power and adaptability, Python's journey has seen major changes, especially between its two most prominent versions: Python 2 and Python 3. While Python 2, introduced in 2000, brought about significant enhancements like list comprehension and Unicode support, the arrival of Python 3 in 2008 stirred the waters.
The transition from Python 2 to 3 has been gradual, considering the vast legacy of Python 2 projects and developers. The debate around the supremacy of one version over the other is ongoing, which may leave you perplexed. Is diving into Python 2 still worthwhile? Or should you solely embrace Python 3, given its modernity? This blog will discuss the "Python 2 vs. Python 3" conundrum, offering insights to guide your learning path. Let's explore the intricacies of these two Python giants.
What Is Python 3? #
Released in December 2008 by Guido van Rossum, the mastermind behind Python, Python 3 wasn't just a polished Python 2 but a reinvention aiming to address past design flaws and boost security. Python 3 sought to tackle redundancy head-on, aiming for a more streamlined coding experience and enhancing its readability.
Now, while Python 3 introduced innovations like changing the print statement to a function and offering improved Unicode support, it also did something bold: it broke backward compatibility with Python 2. This means that migrating from Python 2 to 3 isn't a cakewalk, with changes required not only in projects but also in the Python libraries ecosystem. So, as you go deeper, remember Python 3's essence—evolution with clarity at its core.
In this course, you will get a comprehensive overview of Python. You will start by laying the foundation and learning the introductory topics like operators, conditional statements, functions, loops, assignment statements, and more. You will then move onto more advanced topics such as classes and inheritance, iterators, list comprehensions, and dictionaries. Along with this, you will also get to explore the concept of testing and take a look at how GUI applications can be designed using Tkinter, Python's standard GUI library. By the time you're done, you'll be able to hit the ground running and be equipped with the tools that will allow you to be productive in Python.
Knowing the Key Differences Between Python 2 and 3#
Both Python versions have their applications, and choosing the right language for your upskilling will require knowing what sets them apart. Here's a summary of their differences:
Python 2 | Python 3 | |
Release Date | Released in 2000 | Released in 2008 |
Syntax Differences | Syntax is less readable | Syntax is simpler and more readable |
Performance | Has design flaws affecting runtime | It has better code runtime |
print in Python 3 | Written as print "Welcome to Educative" | Written as print("Welcome to Educative") |
String Storage | Leans on ASCII for string storage | Uses Unicode for string storage |
Range Function | 'xrange()' generates a sequence of numbers | ‘range()’ is more efficient for iteration |
Libraries | Many libraries won't work with Python 3 | Some libraries now cater solely to Python 3 |
Backward Compatibility | Had support until January 2020 | Is the go-to version since Python 2 support ended in January 2020 |
Python 2 vs Python 3 Examples with Code #
If these differences are difficult to understand, you can see the following sample codes. This will show you Python 2 vs 3 Syntax Differences.
How would you print a statement in Python 2?
def main():
print "This is Python 2"
if __name__== "__main__":
main()
And how can you perform this task in Python 3?
def main():
print ("This is Python 3")
if __name__== "__main__":
main()
Should I Learn Python 2 or 3?#
While Python 2 serves its purpose, learning Python 3 would be a smarter move, especially if you're just starting out. Python 3 champions areas like AI, machine learning, and data science, and it's packed with features you won't find in Python 2. But here's a pro tip for you: get familiar with both. Not every useful library works well in both versions. So, when you're coding in Python 2, ensure your chosen libraries are compatible. The same goes for Python 3. It's all about picking the right tools for your task.
Why Learn Python 2#
There's a wealth of Python 2 libraries out there, some of which haven't yet made the jump to Python 3. So, don't be surprised if Python 2 pops up now and then.
Are you aspiring to be a DevOps engineer? Python 2 often comes in handy as both Python versions will be in your toolkit, especially with tools like Puppet or Ansible.
If you have a potential job where Python 2 dominates the codebase, you’ll need to be on familiar terms with it.
Imagine your team is deep into a project relying on Python 2's third-party libraries that can't shift to Python 3. To make sure this doesn't impact your work, you should focus on mastering Python 2.
Why Learn Python 3#
Will you be working with AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science? Python 3's got your back, with enhanced support and fresh updates missing in Python 2.
Python 3 outpaces not only Python 2 but even heavy hitters like C#, R, and Java. It's on the rise when it comes to efficiency and growth.
Coding's a breeze with Python 3's straightforward syntax. Get things done faster and cleaner.
Python 2 and 3 have subtle syntax differences that could throw off newcomers.
Python 3 is a hot ticket in virtually every sector, from finance to education. So whether you're eyeing a dev role or branching out, having Python 3 on your CV is a solid move.
Start Machine Learning with Python
This course teaches you how to code basic machine learning models. The content is designed for beginners with general knowledge of machine learning, including common algorithms such as linear regression, logistic regression, SVM, KNN, decision trees, and more. If you need a refresher, we have summarized key concepts from machine learning, and there are overviews of specific algorithms dispersed throughout the course.
Start Learning the Best Python Version Today#
So, to wrap up the Python 2 vs. Python 3 debate for 2023, it is clear that Python 3 emerges as front-runner. It's more readable, user-friendly, and widely embraced, especially if you're just breaking ground in programming. But don't write off Python 2 entirely—there's still legacy code out there, and some niches, like DevOps, occasionally lean on it. However, if you're plotting a data science path or just looking to future-proof your skills, Python 3 is your solid bet.
Are you considering learning Python 3? Here is a useful resource to get you started:
This course focuses exclusively on teaching Python to beginners and demystifies procedural programming, grounding every new concept in the hands-on project they gradually build with the course. You will begin by understanding built-in functions for input and output, and then move on to user-defined functions. Moreover, you will learn the basic data types and their application. Next, you will learn about the various structures of programs you can write: sequential, selective, and iterative; eventually, you will apply everything you’ve learned to complete an interesting project. More than anything else, this course aims to make you a lifelong learner, and intends to act as a great start to your wonderful career in the world of computing.
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