Python is a popular high-level, general-purpose programming language acclaimed for its emphasis on code readability, achieved through significant indentation, and its support for multiple programming paradigms like object-oriented and functional programming. Conceived by Guido van Rossum in the late 1980s as a successor to the ABC language, it was first released in 1991, with its name deriving from the British comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus. Van Rossum served as the project's lead developer, known as its "benevolent dictator for life," until 2018.
A major turning point was Python 3.0, released in December 2008, which introduced significant changes and was not entirely backward-compatible with earlier versions; currently, only the 3.x series is actively supported. Python consistently ranks among the most widely used languages, particularly in the machine learning community, and is frequently taught as an introductory programming language due to its versatility, dynamic typing, and garbage collection.