What Are Some Examples of Python Applications?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Python is one of the most-used programming languages. Learn what Python is capable of and real-world examples of well-known Python applications.

[Featured Image] A web developer using python applications to build a website, is meeting with a client to show the progress of their work.

Python is the fourth most used programming language behind JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and SQL. According to Statista, 51 percent of programmers know Python [1]. Despite its humble origins (did you know it was named after Monty Python?) Python's flexibility capabilities make it a crucial part of many popular apps used today, some examples of such as Spotify, Netflix, and Google. 

In India, Python can lead to a high-paying job. Data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are rapidly developing industries. Tops Technology reported that India’s analytical industry will grow by 15 to 20 percent over the next few years [2]. Read on to learn more about Python’s capabilities and what job you can find in India if you know Python. 

Why are there so many apps that use Python? 

Python has become an integrated part of our lives because it is easy to understand, extremely versatile, and has a large community of people working with the language. Like a spoken language, programming languages thrive when many use them and die out when people adopt easier and more commonly used languages. Python’s ease of use and intuitive syntax are the key features leading to its longevity in programming. Python is also relatively easy to learn compared to other programming languages, which makes it attractive compared to more complicated and hard-to-understand languages.

Python application capabilities

Python’s longevity and universal use are partly because of its versatility and the many tools in the Python framework. This means you’ll find Python used for various purposes, such as game development, online education, data analysis, and machine learning. Developers use Python for Reddit, Pinterest, Instagram, and Spotify applications.

Web development

Python’s flexibility and ease of use make it ideal for web development. Flask, Django, Web2Py, CherryPy, and Bottle are all examples of frameworks used for web development based on Python. 

  • Pinterest, Zillow, and Patreon are all examples of websites built with Flask. 

  • Spotify, Instagram, and Quora are all websites built with Django.

  • More Python framework examples: Reddit, Mozilla, Instacart, and Dropbox

Python content management systems (CMS) like Wagtail and Django CMS are also widely used and offer benefits such as scalability and cybersecurity. The ease of use, low learning curve, and convenience of Python give it the added ability of a faster development process. 

Game development

Game developers use Python to create popular titles such as Call of Duty,  Battlefield 2, the Sims 4, Civilization IV, Disney’s Toontown Online, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Bridge Commander.

The game development libraries included in Python, like Panda3D, PyGame, Pyglet, and Kivy, make the range of functions and applications Python can power possible. Some of the hallmarks of Python frameworks for game development are their ability to speed up the development process and their compatibility with end-user systems. 

Machine learning and artificial intelligence

Python’s simplicity and stability make it a good option for machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and more. Keras, TensorFlow, NumPy, and SciPy are all examples of machine learning libraries made possible with Python. 

Consider taking a course to learn more about using Python in machine learning and artificial intelligence. For example, you can delve into Machine Learning with Python with a course from IBM available on Coursera, which is part of the University of London’s BSc Computer Science Program

Text processing and image processing 

Python has powerful capabilities for text and image processing. Some popular text-processing libraries include Natural Language Toolkit (NLT), spaCy, and Stanford CoreNLP. Regarding image processing, libraries like OpenCV, SciPy, Corel PainShop, and Blender can take raw data and process it for meaningful results, which you can use for various applications like research, data science, business, education, and more. Both types of processing can also improve the input in various ways, such as reducing blurriness in pictures and restructuring text intelligently. 

Data science and analytics

Python’s accessible language and low learning curve make it an excellent tool for data scientists and analysts. The libraries we’ve already discussed for machine learning, artificial intelligence, and text and image processing lend themselves well to manipulating data and completing repetitive tasks effectively. Some common Python applications for data science are TensorFlow, Socket, and Plotly.

Data science is a growing field, and there will be ample career opportunities for data scientists in India in the coming years. You can start in data science with a specialisation like Applied Data Science with Python, offered by the University of Michigan. 

Audio and visual 

Python offers a range of audio/video capabilities, making It a natural choice for players like Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube. Some libraries Python offers for audio and visual capabilities include OpenCV, SciPy, PYO, and Dejavu. 

Business and finance

Python applications are also impacting the worlds of business and finance. More and more Python applications for business and finance are being written, from power data analysis tools like price trend analysis and managing big data sets to automating workflows. The tools, libraries, and frameworks we’ve already discussed can be the background of a company’s digital assets, from websites to multimedia. Additionally, customer and content management systems built with Python have improved how quickly and efficiently a company operates. 

What kind of job can I get with Python?

Learning Python is an essential part of many different career paths. Python is a skill needed by web developers, software engineers, data scientists, machine learning engineers, and data analysts, among many other job titles. These jobs can be highly paid, depending on additional qualifications and level of experience:

Web developers

Average base salary in India: ₹4,70,000 per year [3]

Requirements: No formal requirements, but a bachelor’s degree is common

Web developers create websites, applications, and other programming projects. They sometimes work in teams or on solo projects. 

Software engineers

Average base salary in India: ₹8,00,000 per year [4]

Requirements: No formal requirements, but a bachelor’s degree is common

A software engineer designs, codes, and creates software to solve problems. Although software engineers commonly have a bachelor’s degree, they can also learn the necessary skills through certification and diploma programmes. 

Data scientists

Average base salary in India: ₹9,00,000 per year [5]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Data scientists collect and analyse data, often using machine learning and other tools to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the data they’ve found. Data science is a quickly growing field in India. 

Machine learning engineers

Average base salary in India: ₹5,07,500 per year [6]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, although a master’s degree is commonly required

A machine learning engineer works to create artificial intelligence that solves problems. This is a relatively new industry for engineers, but many job tasks include working with data, programming, maths, and web development. 

Data analysts

Average base salary in India: ₹5,73,500 per year [7]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree

A data analyst uses data to help companies decide how to conduct business, such as developing new products, managing customer relations, or entering a new market. Data is increasingly essential for nearly all industries, creating many opportunities for analysts. 

The potential for job opportunities using Python is vast because these industries are growing rapidly in India. Some of the top companies in India working with Python to create apps are Merixstudio, Reckonsys Tech Labs, and AllianceTek. 

Next steps

While most careers developing Python applications will require at least a bachelor’s degree and relevant skills, you can gain a deeper knowledge of Python frameworks with an online course. For example, you could learn Python Basics with the University of Michigan, complete a specialisation like Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL offered by IBM, or earn a Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science from Imperial College London—all on Coursera.

Article sources

1

Statista. “Most used programming languages among developers worldwide as of 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/793628/worldwide-developer-survey-most-used-languages/.” Accessed 22 November 2024. 

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