Python Coding: Why I Choose Python for Modern Software Development

Perceval Hasselman — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:15:36 +0000

Python Coding: Why I Choose Python for Modern Software Development

My name is Perceval Hasselman, and one of the things I appreciate most about Python is how quickly an idea can become working software.

Python is readable, versatile and supported by an enormous developer community. You can use it to build small automation scripts, websites, data-analysis tools and advanced artificial-intelligence applications.

Why is Python so popular?

Python uses a clean and understandable syntax. A simple program can be written in just one line:

print("Hello, DEV Community!")

Compare that with languages that require additional declarations, brackets or configuration. Python allows developers to concentrate on solving the problem instead of writing unnecessary boilerplate code.

This makes Python suitable for beginners, while its extensive ecosystem also makes it powerful enough for professional software development.

Variables and basic calculations

Variables let us store and process information:

developer = "Perceval Hasselman"
language = "Python"
years_of_experience = 3

print(f"{developer} has been coding with {language} for {years_of_experience} years.")

Python automatically determines the type of each variable. This keeps the code concise and easy to read.

We can also perform calculations:

hours_per_day = 2
days_per_week = 5

weekly_hours = hours_per_day * days_per_week

print(f"Weekly coding time: {weekly_hours} hours")

Working with functions

Functions make code reusable and easier to maintain:

def calculate_project_cost(hours, hourly_rate):
    return hours * hourly_rate


total_cost = calculate_project_cost(20, 75)

print(f"Estimated project cost: €{total_cost}")

Instead of repeating the same calculation throughout an application, we define it once and call the function whenever necessary.

A practical Python project

A useful beginner project is a simple task manager. The following example lets us store tasks and display their status:

tasks = []


def add_task(title):
    task = {
        "title": title,
        "completed": False
    }

    tasks.append(task)


def complete_task(index):
    if 0 <= index < len(tasks):
        tasks[index]["completed"] = True


def show_tasks():
    for number, task in enumerate(tasks, start=1):
        status = "Completed" if task["completed"] else "Open"
        print(f"{number}. {task['title']} — {status}")


add_task("Learn Python functions")
add_task("Build a small Python project")
add_task("Publish an article on DEV")

complete_task(0)
show_tasks()

The result is:

1. Learn Python functions — Completed
2. Build a small Python project — Open
3. Publish an article on DEV — Open

Although this program is small, it already demonstrates several important Python concepts:

Lists
Dictionaries
Functions
Conditions
Loops
Boolean values

These building blocks can later be used to create a graphical application, web service or database-driven task manager.

Where is Python used?

Python can be found in many areas of technology:

Web development

Frameworks such as Django, Flask and FastAPI help developers create websites, APIs and backend systems.

Artificial intelligence

Python is widely used for machine learning, natural-language processing and computer vision. Libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow and scikit-learn give developers access to powerful AI tools.

Data analysis

With pandas, NumPy and Matplotlib, Python can process information, identify patterns and create visualisations.

Automation

Repetitive tasks can often be automated with a short Python script. Examples include renaming files, processing spreadsheets, collecting data and generating reports.

Cybersecurity

Security professionals use Python to analyse networks, inspect files and build testing tools.

How to become a better Python developer

Reading tutorials is helpful, but programming is a practical skill. The fastest way to improve is to build projects.

Start with something small:

Create a calculator.
Build a password generator.
Make a task manager.
Analyse a CSV file.
Connect your application to an API.
Build a complete web application.

You will encounter errors along the way. That is not a sign that you are failing. Debugging is an essential part of programming, and every solved error improves your understanding.

Clean code matters

Working code is only the beginning. Good code should also be understandable to other developers—and to your future self.

Use descriptive names:

# Unclear
x = 120
y = 0.21
z = x * y

# Clear
product_price = 120
tax_rate = 0.21
tax_amount = product_price * tax_rate

The second version immediately communicates what the calculation represents. Clear naming becomes increasingly important as a project grows.

Final thoughts

Python combines simplicity with serious technical power. It offers beginners an accessible introduction to programming while giving experienced developers the tools to build advanced applications.

For me, Python coding is not only about writing instructions for a computer. It is about breaking complex problems into smaller parts and transforming ideas into practical solutions.

The best way to learn is simple: choose a project, start coding and improve it step by step.

Written by Perceval Hasselman

If you found this article useful, feel free to leave a comment and share what you are currently building with Python.

Building a Complex WordPress Platform from Scratch

Perceval Hasselman — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:42:11 +0000

Hi my name is Perceval Hasselman and I'm and Building a simple WordPress website is one thing.

Building a scalable platform with user accounts, custom dashboards, search functionality, premium memberships, and custom workflows is a completely different challenge.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been planning a large WordPress project that combines multiple technologies into one platform.

Some of the components include:

Custom user registration and authentication
Multiple user roles
Dynamic property listings
Advanced filtering and search
Custom dashboards
Secure contact forms
SEO optimization
Performance optimization
Mobile-first design
Custom PHP development
WordPress hooks and filters
Database optimization
API integrations
Payment gateway integration
Security hardening

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that planning the architecture is often more important than writing code.

A well-designed database structure, reusable components, and a clear development roadmap can save dozens of hours later in the project.

Instead of trying to build everything at once, I’m breaking the platform into small milestones:

Build the core website
Create user authentication
Develop the listing system
Implement search
Add premium functionality
Optimize performance
Improve SEO
Continue iterating based on feedback

Large WordPress projects are not just about themes and plugins.

They’re about software architecture, maintainability, user experience, and continuous improvement.

I’m looking forward to sharing more development updates as the project progresses.

WordPress #PHP #WebDev #SEO #AI

DEV Community: Perceval Hasselman

Python Coding: Why I Choose Python for Modern Software Development

Python Coding: Why I Choose Python for Modern Software Development

Why is Python so popular?

Variables and basic calculations

Working with functions

A practical Python project

Where is Python used?

Web development

Artificial intelligence

Data analysis

Automation

Cybersecurity

How to become a better Python developer

Clean code matters

Final thoughts

Building a Complex WordPress Platform from Scratch

WordPress #PHP #WebDev #SEO #AI