Lo-Fi Python

Jan 22, 2023

6 of the Hottest Python Libraries in 2023

Here's a short list of Python packages making a splash this year:

  • pyscript: execute Python code in your web browser
  • ruff: code linting package built with Rust and Python
  • FastAPI: a rapidly adopted web framework for building APIs
  • polars: high performance pandas drop in replacement, also built with Rust and Python
  • buzz: Python package that accesses the Whisper API's text transcription of audio
  • tomllib: new in the Python 3.11 standard library. It's quietly picking up steam amongst Python developers. Tom's Obvious Minimal Language, TOML, "a config file format for humans"
Python + Rust logos

Python + Rust = High Performance

A common theme I've noticed is the emergence of Rust as a performance complement to Python code. It seems we can expect modularity between the two languages to strengthen their collective abilities.

example polars dataframe code

example polars dataframe code

Python is still growing and evolving.

It's great to see. Including the ability to parse TOML config files in the standard library is a vote of confidence by the Python community. I will now seek to use TOML in my own projects.

Web frameworks and web browsers are king.

FastAPI is the new option in a space dominated by Flask and Django. Web frameworks allow developers to quickly create websites.

Running Python in a browser has been a movement in recent years. First Pyodide, WASM euphoria, and now a Python library that takes Python in a browser to new levels. Excited to see where these projects go and what new buzzy libraries will emerge this year!

pyscript landing page

Aug 05, 2017

Oversimplified Javascript Terms

I'm finally coming around in my understanding of Javascript. Here are a few quick explanations to help you if you are new to it.

Javascript = The language of the web. Most commonly used as a complement to HTML and CSS to create an interactive website.

JQuery = A popular Javascript library with many powerful commands that are quick and easy to call.

Node.JS = Software that allows you to run Javascript from the command line without being connected to the internet.

Express.JS = A popular Node.JS framework.

Angular = A popular front-end Javascript web framework. There are many out there but this seems to be the one I've heard of the most.

I've begun to see a pattern with programming languages:
1) Learn to execute the core building blocks. (using variables, loops, functions, etc.)
2) Learn more advanced libraries, documentation and uses.
3) Consider using and learning web frameworks depending on what you're trying to do with the language.
4) Practice to hone your knowledge. Build things you like.

I've also noticed that Javascript has been easier to learn than Python was for me, because it's not my first programming language. The concepts are the same. The syntax can trip me up at times, but I'm currently flying through Codeacademy's Javascript courses. Sometimes it even seems fun!