Python Test 2

(a)   created the Python programming language.

• Guido van Rossum

• James Gosling

• Dennis Ritchie

• Bjarne Stroustrup

Answer explanation

Guido van Rossum created the Python programming language in the late 1980s. The other options are notable figures in programming but are associated with different languages: James Gosling with Java, Dennis Ritchie with C, and Bjarne Stroustrup with C++.

In which year was Python first released?

• 1989

• 1991

• 1995

• 2000

Answer explanation

Python was first released in 1991 by Guido van Rossum. This makes 1991 the correct answer, as the other options (1989, 1995, 2000) do not correspond to the initial release date.

Explain why Python is considered a high-level programming language.

• It is written in machine code.

• It allows for easy readability and abstraction from machine language.

• It is used for low-level hardware programming.

• It is only used for web development.

Answer explanation

Python is considered a high-level programming language because it allows for easy readability and provides abstraction from machine language, making it user-friendly and suitable for various applications.

Identify a key feature of Python that contributes to its popularity.

• Complex syntax

• Strong typing

• Dynamic typing

• Lack of libraries

Answer explanation

Dynamic typing allows Python to determine variable types at runtime, making it more flexible and easier to write code quickly. This feature, along with its simplicity, significantly contributes to Python's popularity among developers.

Discuss the impact of Python's open-source nature on its development and community.

• It limits the number of contributors.

• It allows for a large community and rapid development.

• It restricts the use of libraries.

• It makes Python expensive to use.

Answer explanation

Python's open-source nature fosters a large community of contributors, leading to rapid development and innovation. This collaborative environment enhances the language's libraries and tools, making it more accessible and versatile.

Which of the following is a major version of Python that introduced significant changes?

• Python 1.0

• Python 2.0

• Python 3.0

• Python 4.0

Answer explanation

Python 3.0, released in 2008, introduced significant changes such as improved Unicode support, a new syntax for print, and the removal of old-style classes, making it a major version upgrade from Python 2.0.

Match the following descriptions with their significance in Python.

• Python exceptions and tracebacks.

• They are Python's error messages.

• Python syntax and structure.

• They are Python's built-in functions.

• Python Enhancement Proposals (PEPs).

• They are used to write Python code.

• Python standard library utilities.

• They are guidelines and standards for Python's development.

Analyze how Python's design philosophy emphasizes code readability.

• By using complex syntax

• By enforcing indentation and clear syntax

• By allowing multiple ways to do the same thing

• By using verbose error messages

Answer explanation

Python emphasizes code readability by enforcing indentation and clear syntax, making the code visually structured and easier to understand. This design choice contrasts with complex syntax and allows for a more intuitive coding experience.

Which of the following is a Python web framework?

• Django

• React

• Angular

• Laravel

Answer explanation

Django is a high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. In contrast, React and Angular are JavaScript libraries/frameworks for building user interfaces, while Laravel is a PHP framework.

What is the purpose of Python's Global Interpreter Lock (GIL)?

• To speed up Python code execution

• To allow multiple threads to execute simultaneously

• To prevent multiple native threads from executing Python bytecodes at once

• To enhance Python's memory management

Answer explanation

The Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) is designed to prevent multiple native threads from executing Python bytecodes simultaneously, ensuring thread safety and avoiding race conditions in memory management.