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.
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