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It’s basically Python. But not quite. It’s a hybrid programming language that can be described as a version of Python designed for the Java platform.
As a Java Virtual Machine implementation of Python, Jython stands among Groovy, Clojur, Kotlin, Scala and other JVM languages.
So, what’s with the name? Ok, Python + Java = Jython. We get it. But how Jython was born? Or why was it made in the first place? What are its main benefits? Let’s get to know the whole Jython situation a little bit better.
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PYTHONS' GROWING POPULARITY
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As Jython is a direct descend of Python, let’s talk about Python first.
Did you know that it’s becoming the most popular programming language in the world with the latest statistics, crowning Python as a main means of coding for 80% of developers?
Pythons' rocketing popularity is explainable. It’s easy to use and learn, that’s why it’s the first language taught in most computer schools for the last couple of years.
Secondly, with the new generation of microcontrollers it is now considered as embedded language, widening its sphere of use.
Finally, the front line of R&D community is now using Phyton instead of the R language, the former leader in data science research and big data applications.
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BRIEF HISTORY OF JYTHON
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All right, back to Jython. (Or JPython as it was originally named). Created in 1997 by Jim Hugunin, Jython was a close follower of the standard Python implementation – CPython. After its second release (Jython 2.0) in 1999, Jython goes along with CPython releases. 2015 brought us CPython 2.7 with Jython 2.7.0 version accordingly. Ever since, despite the rumors, the release of Jython 3.0 is still under development.
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FOUR MAIN BENEFITS OF JYTHON
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Reusability of Java features
The ability to use Java interfaces and classes in Jython code is attractive to a great deal of programmers. With Java features like automatic garbage collection some even call it the best deal ever.
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Compilation of Java bytecode
An amazing concept of bytecode generation in the form of a *.class file — one of the sweetest pieces of Javas heritage – really helps in making Jython portable across various platforms, not to mention the improved performance.
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Approachable High-Level Language
Whether you need a simple GUI (graphical user interface) or a piece of code to call to a database – Jython is a perfect mix of HLL and a common scripting language.
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Simplified frame creation
You will be pleasantly surprised how easy is the frame creation process in Jython.
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IN A NUTSHELL
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To put it simply, there is no Python vs. Jython clash. It is rather a win-win situation and a strong cocktail of Python and Java. Just imagine how easy-to-use and versatile Python is empowered by the scale of the Java universe and you’ll understand why both rookies and experienced developers choose an elegant syntax of Jython for their applications.
