With each passing minute, AI and machine learning are grabbing more eyeballs than ever. Who’d have thought that there could exist a self-driven car or smartphones that forecast what weather it will be tomorrow! But today, all this is a reality.

Companies like Uber, Tesla, JP Morgan Chase, Apple, and other industry giants have accepted these technologies. With this, they’ve also befriended one programming language that is flexible, stable, with a variety of tools available: PYTHON.

In this article, we’ll discuss the ‘why’ behind Python’s popularity in the world of AI and machine learning.

Why Python for AI and Machine Learning?

Here are the top reasons that make Python so popular for AI and machine learning:

1. Rich library ecosystem

A programming language library refers to a module that comes with a pre-written code that helps the user to use the same functionality to perform different actions. Python contains libraries that help in saving developer’s time as they do not have to start from scratch. 

List of some common libraries used for AI and machine learning:

• Pandas
• Scikit-learn
• Keras
• TensorFlow
• Caffe
• PyBrain

With the help of these libraries, AI and ML algorithms can be implemented more easily. These libraries are useful for data analysis, deep learning, machine learning, computer vision, and advanced computing. This helps in the faster development of the product as the developers can now resolve complex problems without rewriting code lines.

2. Flexibility

Python is a flexible language, which means that it can be used along with other programming languages to achieve the desired result. It offers an option to the developer to choose between OOPs or scripting. Also, it does not require recompilation of the source code, making it easier to view the results. Due to its flexibility, it gives the developer a safe environment and reduces the chances of mistakes.

3. Simple and Consistent

This programming language offers concise, readable codes. As complex algorithms stand behind AI and ML, the simplicity of the language helps in developing reliable systems. Now the entire focus is on solving an ML problem instead of worrying about the technical details of the language.

Another reason which makes Python so popular is that it is an easy-to-learn programming language. Due to its easier understandability by humans, it is easier to make models for machine learning. Furthermore, many coders say that Python is more intuitive than other programming languages. It is suitable for a collaborative implementation as and when multiple developers are involved. Being a general-purpose language, it allows you to build prototypes faster so that you can test your product for machine learning.

4. Platform Independent

Platform independence of a programming language means that it can run on a variety of platforms and software architectures. The code has to be written once and it can be compiled and run on multiple platforms.

Python is easy to learn and use and scores high on versatility. It can run on any platform, be it Windows, MacOS, Linux, Unix, and more. If one wants to run the code of different platforms, packages like PyInstaller come in handy. Let’s say a coder wants to shift from one platform to another, it is far easier with Python. This saves time and money for tests on multiple platforms. As a result, the overall process becomes more convenient.

5. Huge Community and Popularity

Having strong community support helps a programming language in multiple ways, especially when it is an open-source language. Python is free, comes with useful libraries and tools, and its documentation can be accessed online. Programmers can discuss their problem statement on forums and have conversations with others to find solutions. The increasing popularity of Python was reinstated in the Developer Survey 2020 by Stack Overflow, which named Python as the top 5 most popular programming languages.

Which Companies are Using AI and ML?

Different industries use Python to implement AI in their products and services. From travel, fintech, to transportation, and healthcare: Python is used. Let’s take a look at some renowned names that use AI in providing A-grade services to their customers:

1. Apple

You must be aware of Siri. One of Apple’s well-known products is a result of AI. It uses voice recognition tools and NLP to answer the questions and make suggestions as it executes different actions.

2. Facebook

Facebook has leveraged the power of AI for years now. They use it for maps, detecting fake accounts, and reporting inappropriate content.

3. Microsoft

How can you miss out on Cortana! The tech giant used AI to create an assistant called Cortana. It is available in Windows 10. Claimed as ‘your personal productivity assistant’ by the company itself, Cortana helps you to focus on what matters and achieve more by putting in less effort.

4. Volkswagen

A big name in the automobile industry, the German brand is now replacing human drivers with self-driven car technology using AI algorithms. It has a tie-up with Argo AI, a Pittsburgh-based autonomous vehicle company to develop cars in which the vehicle can operate in specific conditions, without having a driver taking over the wheels.

5. JP Morgan Chase

AI works effectively on massive quality data. JP Morgan Chase has been an industry leader in finding and preventing transactional fraud, algorithm trading, and offering superior customer service.

Summing Up

Python has created an emphatic place for itself as the industry has focussed on building for the future where data plays a central role, and Python, with its dexterity, has become the #1 language of choice for all AI and ML professionals. With this rise in adoption, hands-on professionals must learn if they aspire to do well in the AI and ML world in the coming years.  

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