Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991. Its design emphasizes code readability through the use of significant indentation. Python supports multiple programming paradigms, including structured, object-oriented, and functional programming. It is dynamically type-checked and garbage-collected.
Interestingly, Python wasn't named after a snake, but after the British comedy group Monty Python, of which Van Rossum was a fan. Initially, Python was conceived as a hobby project for Van Rossum during the Christmas holidays in 1989. Python is often referred to as a 'glue language' because it is designed to integrate components written in other languages. It is used in various applications, including web development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. Several variations of Python exist, such as CPython, Jython, and IronPython, each tailored for different use cases.