Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language known for its readability, versatility, and user-friendly syntax. Created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991, Python allows developers to express complex ideas in fewer lines of code compared to languages like C++ or Java. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming, making it suitable for a wide array of applications—ranging from web development and data analysis to artificial intelligence and scientific computing. The language's extensible architecture and rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks have made it one of the most popular programming languages in the world, beloved by both beginners and seasoned developers alike.