Python Glossary (Reference)

abstract base class (ABC) A class that is meant to be used as a blueprint for other classes. It provides the expected public interface to implement in concrete derived classes.

annotation A way to attach metadata to function arguments and return values.

argument A value or object that you pass into a function or method when you call it.

attribute A value associated with an object that can be accessed using dot notation.

awaitable An object that you can pause the execution of a coroutine and wait for the object to complete before resuming the coroutine.

BDFL Benevolent Dictator For Life, a.k.a. Guido van Rossum, Python’s creator.

binary file A type of computer file that stores data in binary format.

Boolean A fundamental data type that can have only one of two values: true or false.

buffer protocol A mechanism in Python that allows objects to share their internal memory buffers with other objects for direct access.

bytecode A low-level set of instructions that is portable across different platforms, which means it can be executed on any machine that has a compatible CPython interpreter.

bytes-like object Any object that supports the buffer protocol, exposing its underlying binary data efficiently to other objects.

callable An object that you can call like a function.

class A blueprint for creating objects. It defines attributes as variables and implements behaviors as methods.

closure A function object that has access to variables in its enclosing (containing) lexical scope, even when the function is called outside that scope.

code style Guidelines for writing code in a clear, standardized way that makes it easy to read, understand, and maintain

collection A container data structure that stores and organizes multiple items, including built-ins like lists, dictionaries, lists, and tuples.

comment Explanatory text that Python ignores when executing code.

console The text-based interface used for interacting with your computer’s operating system and running Python programs.

context manager An object that allows you to handle a context where you allocate and release resources when needed.

coroutine An object representing a computation that can be paused and resumed.

CPython The reference and official implementation of the Python programming language.

docstring A string literal that occurs as the first statement in a module, function, class, or method definition and works as documentation.

duck typing A type system where an object is considered compatible with a given type if it has all the methods and attributes that the type requires.

EAFP A coding style that assumes the presence of valid attributes and methods, and handle exceptions if they aren’t present.

exception An event that interrupts normal program flow in Python, often due to errors or special conditions.

expression A combination of values, variables, operators, and function calls that can be evaluated to produce a value.

f-string A string literal that allows you to interpolate expressions inside strings using curly braces {}, to produce a formatted string.

function A self-contained block of code that performs a specific task.

functional programming A programming paradigm that emphasizes pure functions, immutable data, and function composition.

function annotation A way to attach type information or type hints to function arguments and return values.

garbage collection An automatic memory management feature that reclaims memory occupied by objects that are no longer in use by your program.

Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) A lock used in the CPython implementation to ensure that only one thread executes Python bytecode at a time.

hashable An object with a hash value that remains constant during the object’s lifetime.

IDLE A lightweight integrated development environment (IDE) that comes bundled with Python.

immutable An object whose value can’t be modified after it’s created.

instance A concrete occurrence of a class.

interpreter The program that reads and executes Python code.

iterable An object that can return its elements one at a time, allowing you to loop over it using a for loop or any other iteration tool.

iterator An object that adheres to the iterator protocol and allows you to iterate through all the elements in a data stream.

LBYL A coding style that emphasizes checking for conditions before executing a particular action.

linter A static code analysis tool that examines source code to flag potential errors, bugs, stylistic issues, and suspicious constructs.

loop A programming construct that allows you to repeat a block of code multiple times.

magic method A method that allows you to define how objects behave with built-in functions and operators.

metaprogramming The practice of writing code that manipulates or generates other code.

method A function that is associated with a particular object or class.

module A file containing Python code, which can define functions, classes, variables, and more.

mutable An object that allows you to modify its value in place without creating a new object.

namespace A container that holds a collection of identifiers, such as variable and function names, and their corresponding objects.

namespace package A type of package that allows you to split a single package across multiple directories.

object A piece of data in memory that has attributes (data) and methods (behaviors).

package A directory hierarchy that allows you to organize related modules and subpackages.

parameter A variable that you use in a function or method definition to accept input values.

PEP 8 Python’s official style guide outlining coding conventions for writing clear, readable code that’s consistent with the core Python codebase.

pip Python’s default package installer and dependency manager.

protocol A set of methods and attributes that a class must implement to support specific behavior or functionality.

PyCon Python programming conferences organized by local communities worldwide.

Python Enhancement Proposal (PEP) A design document that provides information to the Python community or proposes changes to Python itself.

Pythonic An approach or style of writing code that aligns with Python’s philosophy and idioms.

python.org The official website for the Python programming language.

Python Package Index (PyPI) The official third-party software repository for the Python programming language.

Python Software Foundation (PSF) A non-profit organization dedicated to advancing and promoting the Python programming language.

Python Steering Council A small group elected to oversee the development and direction of the Python programming language.

reference count A mechanism used by the interpreter to manage memory allocation and deallocation for objects.

REPL An interactive programming environment that allows you to write and execute code in a step-by-step manner and get immediate feedback on how the code works.

scope Defines where in a program a name (like a variable or function) can be accessed.

source code Human-readable instructions that programmers write to create software.

standard library A comprehensive collection of pre-written modules and functions that comes bundled with every Python installation.

statement A logical instruction that the interpreter can execute.

static type checker A tool that analyzes your code without executing it to ensure that the types of variables and expressions are consistent with their annotations or type hints.

text encoding The conversion of text data into a specific format that computers can store and manipulate.

text file A type of computer file that contains plain text.

traceback Python’s report showing the function call stack when an exception or error is raised.

triple-quoted string A string literal enclosed in a pair of triple quotes, either single (''') or double (""").

type The classification of a value or object, which determes the kinds of operations that can be performed on it and the ways it can interact with other objects.

universal newlines A way to handle files with different newline conventions across different platforms.

variable annotation A syntax for attaching type hints to variables.

virtual environment A directory containing all the files and executables needed to support a functional Python environment.

virtual machine (VM) The component of the Python interpreter that executes your Python code.

wheel Pre-built, ready-to-install distribution format for faster and more reliable Python package installation.

Zen of Python A collection of guiding principles for writing Python code.