Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its clear syntax and readability. Created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991, it emphasizes code simplicity and developer productivity. Python is versatile, supporting various programming paradigms like procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. Its extensive standard library and vast ecosystem of third-party packages make it suitable for diverse applications, from web development and data analysis to artificial intelligence and scientific computing. Python has seen a rapid rise in popularity, partly due to its use in emerging fields such as data science and machine learning. Its supportive community and consistent updates have solidified its position as one of the leading programming languages in the world.