Python 2 vs Python 3: Which is Better To Learn in 2023?

Python is the most used programming language and ranks first in popularity among all other languages. The constant upgradation and advancement in Python have led to path-breaking innovations in software industries. Many versions of Python have been released ever since its launch in 1991. And many of its versions are still in their developing phase, but Python 2 vs Python 3 is the most discussed topic among tech professionals based on their uses and popularity which gained huge attention.

It is beginner friendly language that is known for its simple and intuitive syntax that provides a wide range of applications in software development, data science, and artificial intelligence.

Python 2 and Python 3 are major versions of Python, though they belong to the same programming language, they work differently and have different implications because of their continuous advancement.

Many coding beginners often get confused about which is best to learn Python 2 or Python 3 ? which has more usability in the long run. , etc. Before understanding the distinction between Python 2 and Python 3, Let’s learn about Python 2 and Python 3.

What is Python 2?

Python 2.0 was developed by BeOpen Python Labs Team in the year 2000. The introduction of Python 2.0 made it easier for common people to learn how to code. Python 2 features legacy code and backward compatibility which makes it easier to use in large projects.

Python 2 comes with Python Enhancement Proposal (PEP), a technical specification that provides guidelines for writing code. Python 2.7 is the latest version of Python 2 released in 2010. The year 2020 marked the end of support for this version.

What is Python 3?

Python 3 is the latest version of Python language; it was released in the year 2008. Python 3 made it easier to address coding flaws and security issues. The new syntax of Python 3 enables the elimination of writing repetitive code and improves the readability of the code.

The major features of Python 3 are built-in functions, improved Unicode support, & integer division and because of these features, it is backward incompatible. Python 3 has successive versions, Python 3.X series with new features and functions.

Differences Between Python 2 and Python 3

Python 2

Python 3

The ‘Print’ is a statement in Python 2 and not a function

The ‘Print’ is a function in Python 3 and not a statement

Strings are stored in the form of ASCII in Python 2

Strings are stored in the form of Unicode in Python 3

In Python 2, the output of the division of two integers is only an integer and does not represent decimal points.

Ex:- 3/2 yield as 1 instead of 1.5

In Python 3, the division of two integers we also get floating points of the result.

Ex:- 3/2 yields as 1.50

Exceptions are handled using Notations

Exceptions are denoted within parentheses

In Python 2, standard variables’ values change in a closed loop

The standard variables remain unchanged in Python 3

To perform iterations xrange() function is used.

The new Range() function is defined to carry out iterations

Python 2 libraries are forward incompatible

Python 3 libraries can only be used within Python 3

Python 2 to Python 3 converter is used to import code to Python 3 as it is backward compatible

Python 3 cannot be ported to Python 2; it is backward incompatible

Slow performance due to design errors

Good performance as compared to the runtime of Python 2

Which is the Best Choice - Python 2 or Python 3?

There is no doubt Python 3 is the best choice for beginners to learn Python programming language as the support for Python 2 ended in 2020. Python 3.11.2 is the latest release of the Python 3 programming language.

Python 2 is becoming completely outdated as more and more Python developers are embracing Python 3 for their projects. However, few programmers use Python 2 in certain situations.

It is highly recommended for programmers and data science professionals become experts in Python language. To learn more about the practical implementation of Python in various projects, you can enroll in Advanced Data Science and AI program and have the best industry exposure.