一、Python的起源
Python是一种高级编程语言，由Guido van Rossum于1989年在荷兰创建。Python被设计用于具有简单易读语法的高效编程，可以轻松地写出清晰的、逻辑性强的代码。Python语言的名字来源于作者的一个喜好，他喜欢BBC电视节目Monty Python's Flying Circus。初版的Python语言发布于1991年。
二、Python的免费性质
Python是一款自由、开放、免费的软件，以Python软件基金会的名义发布，并遵循Python软件基金会授权的开源协议。这意味着任何人都可以自由地复制、分发和修改Python的源代码。Python社区还可以向该基金会提供资源或服务以支持其发展。
三、Python的开源协议
Python使用的开源协议是PSF授权。在PSF授权下，任何人都可以自由地复制、分发、传递Python，还可以从中获得商业利益而无需向Python软件基金会支付费用。不过，在发布的衍生作品中，必须保留原始版权声明，以同时支持软件的开源性。
# Python的开源协议示例
# The Python Software Foundation License Version 2
# --------------------------------------------
# 1. This LICENSE AGREEMENT is between the Python Software Foundation
# ("PSF"), and the Individual or Organization ("Licensee") accessing and
# otherwise using Python 2.7.18rc1 software in source or binary form and its
# associated documentation.
# 2. Subject to the terms and conditions of this License Agreement, PSF hereby
# grants Licensee a nonexclusive, royalty-free, world-wide license to reproduce,
# analyze, test, perform and/or display publicly, prepare derivative works,
# distribute, and otherwise use Python 2.7.18rc1 alone or in any derivative
# version, provided, however, that PSF's License Agreement and PSF's notice of
# copyright, i.e., "Copyright © 2001-2013 Python Software Foundation; All Rights
# Reserved" are retained in Python 2.7.18rc1 alone or in any derivative version
# prepared by Licensee.
# 3. In the event Licensee prepares a derivative work that is based on or
# incorporates Python 2.7.18rc1 or any part thereof, and wants to make the
# derivative work available to others as provided herein, then Licensee hereby
# agrees to include in any such work a brief summary of the changes made to Python
# 2.7.18rc1.
# 4. PSF is making Python 2.7.18rc1 available to Licensee on an "AS IS" basis.
# PSF MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. BY WAY OF EXAMPLE,
# BUT NOT LIMITATION, PSF MAKES NO AND DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF
# MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR THAT THE USE OF PYTHON
# 2.7.18rc1 WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.
# 5. PSF SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO LICENSEE OR ANY OTHER USERS OF PYTHON 2.7.18rc1
# FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS AS A RESULT OF
# MODIFYING, DISTRIBUTING, OR OTHERWISE USING PYTHON 2.7.18rc1, OR ANY DERIVATIVE
# THEREOF, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.
# 6. This License Agreement will automatically terminate upon a material breach of
# its terms and conditions.
# 7. Nothing in this License Agreement shall be deemed to create any relationship
# of agency, partnership, or joint venture between PSF and Licensee. This License
# Agreement does not grant permission to use PSF trademarks or trade name in a
# trademark sense to endorse or promote products or services of Licensee, or any
# third party.
# 8. By copying, installing or otherwise using Python 2.7.18rc1, Licensee agrees
# to be bound by the terms and conditions of this License Agreement.
四、Python的版本历史
Python的历史版本分别为1.x、2.x和3.x，其中2.x和3.x是主要版本。1.x版本是最初的Python版本，现已废弃。2.x版本和3.x版本都在现役中，然而它们在某些方面不兼容，所以应谨慎考虑选择哪个版本。
在2017年发布的Python 2.7.14是最后一个2.x版本。目前，Python 2.x仅提供有限的安全更新，仅限于确保支持代码的向后兼容性。
Python 3.x系列从2008年开始推出，其设计目的是优化2.x版本中存在的一些问题，并提供新的功能。Python 3.x不完全向后兼容Python 2.x，其中最大的变化是将print语句转换为print()函数。
五、Python受欢迎的原因
Python的简单性、可读性和易用性是它受欢迎的主要原因之一。Python的语法使得代码可以在极短的时间内写出，并且对初学者来说易于理解。
Python的生态系统很庞大，充满了各种库和框架，以满足实现不同任务的需要。许多学校教授概念性编程都使用Python。此外，Python应用广泛，用于机器学习、数据分析、网站开发等领域。
六、结论
Python是一种自由、开源、免费的软件，发扬Python的价值旨在于帮助开发人员轻松地构建优化的代码。
Python的先进性可以满足各种开发需求，尤其是在数据科学、网络和大数据领域。Python是解决各种编程问题的理想选择，也是适合初学者试图学习编程的语言。
