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The Zen of Python: Principles Behind the Language
When you dive into Python, it’s not just about syntax or libraries — it’s also about philosophy. Python comes with its own guiding principles, collectively known as The Zen of Python, authored by Tim Peters. These principles embody the simplicity and elegance that make Python such a joy to use.
What Is The Zen of Python?
The Zen of Python is a collection of 19 aphorisms that define the core philosophy of Python’s design. While not all are strictly enforced in the language, they serve as a north star for writing clean and maintainable Python code.
Key Principles Explained
Let’s unpack some of these principles and see why they matter:
- Beautiful is better than ugly.
Python encourages clean and readable code. This is why indentation isn’t optional in Python — it’s part of the language.
2. Explicit is better than implicit.
Python values clarity. For instance, instead of magic behavior or hidden logic, Python prefers explicit declarations and imports.
3. Simple is better than complex.
Over-engineering a solution might feel clever, but Python’s philosophy leans toward simplicity. Write code that others can understand.
