The discussion of Python 2 vs Python 3 is still relevant in 2025. Python is known as a versatile, general-purpose programming language. It is an open-source high-level language that’s easy to learn due to its use of plain English syntax. Due to numerous advantages (that we’ll address later), the multi-paradigm programming language lends itself well to varied use cases.
From its initial days in 2000, Python 2 has come a long way from being a new kid on the block to becoming a favorite of programmers. With Python 2.7 being the last major upgrade back in 2010, Python 2’s end-of-life date was January 1, 2020.
Python 3 was released as an upgrade to Python 2 in 2008, and the two versions co-existed for around a decade. Today, Python 3 is used by 95% of Python developers. If you’re in the market for Python developers, you might favor Python 3 over Python 2.
But what exactly is the debate when it comes to Python 2 vs. Python 3? And is Python 2 still relevant? In short, yes.
Although very little of the active codebase still relies on Python 2, it remains in various legacy applications, and companies require developers skilled in maintaining these tools. This means that many enterprise development specialists and those working with embedded systems may still benefit from learning how to use Python 2.
Read on to learn more about the differences between Python 2 vs Python 3, and how they are used in the modern tech environment. We’ll also go into some examples that clarify the difference for technical interviews.
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What Is Python 2?
Python 2.0 was meant to bring more inclusivity and coding literacy to the masses. Before its release in 2010, Python was supported mainly by its creator, Guido van Rossum, who developed the original version of the language in 1991.
With Python 2, Rossum opened up Python’s development and improvement to the larger developer community. As the community contributed to future releases and improved upon its codebase, Python 2 grew to become one of the most commonly used languages in the world.
Python 2 took the language’s original objective of spreading coding literacy to another level due to its array of improvements over previous versions.
It has also played a significant role in the development of languages like Perl and Ruby, and is used by organizations like Netflix, Spotify, Reddit, Uber, and Instagram today.
Even though it is technically retired, you can still find Python 2 being actively used in legacy enterprise applications that haven’t migrated yet, embedded systems and hardware where migrations would cost a lot, or in some in-house tools where stability is more important than factors like modernization.
Although we would never recommend it for a new project, it definitely still has a place.
What Is Python 3?
Python 3 was released in 2008. It sought to improve upon Python 2 without making radical changes with a new 2.x release. Hence, Python 3 came about as a separate branch of the overall Python ecosystem. By design, Python 3 is backward incompatible with Python 2.
The user base of Python is split between Python 2 and 3, depending on differences in use cases and their willingness to undertake complex migrations.
From web development and computer graphics to machine learning and data analytics, the two versions of Python were suited to different use cases. Even now, Python 2 is preferred over Python 3 when coding for computer graphics, games, and mobile development.
Although some features of Python 3 have been brought over to Python 2 to facilitate easy migration to Python 3, the process still requires considerable effort.
Python 3 is not a major player in the global tech world. It’s used in everything from general programming to some modern fields like AI, machine learning, and data science. A significant factor in its popularity is the massive community and the variety that its many libraries provide. It might be a great option for your next project.
What Are the Differences Between Python 2 and Python 3?
With Python 3 being such a significant departure from Python 2, there are bound to be substantial differences between the two versions.
- Backwards compatibility: While Python 2 code can be ported to Python 3 with some effort, Python 3 is not backwards compatible with Python 2.
- Syntax: Python 2 has a more complicated syntax and is more difficult to understand compared to Python 3, though the syntaxes are similar.
- Modern usage and community: Python 2’s usage has virtually ceased, while Python 3 is more popular than ever and is used by 95% of Python developers.
- Application: Python 2 is preferred for select use cases like mobile development and computer graphics, while for everything else, Python 3 is still the version of choice.
- ‘Print‘: While Python 2 considered ‘print’ a statement, Python 3 considers it a function.
- Storage of strings: Python 2 stores strings in ASCII by default, while Python 3 stores them in Unicode.
- Integer division: Python 2 delivers an integral value when dividing integers, whereas Python 3 delivers floating-point values (e.g., nine divided by 4 will yield 2 in Python 2 but 2.5 in Python 3).
- Exceptions: Python 2 encloses exceptions in notations, whereas Python 3 encloses them in parentheses.
- Variable leakage: Variables are mutable in Python 2 (e.g., when used inside a for-loop). But in Python 3, variable values are not changeable.
- Iteration: In Python 2, the xrange() function is used for iterations, but in Python 3, the new function Range() is used instead.
The key takeaway is that Python 3 has greatly simplified syntax, improved security, and provides what new developers need, while Python 2 is lingering in legacy environments.
Why Move To Python 3?
Python 2.7, released in 2010, lacked a successor, and support for Python 2 was scheduled to end on January 1, 2020. That date has come and gone, and with it, Python 2 has officially become obsolete.
So, as an enterprise, should you move to Python 3? Yes, absolutely.
Python 3 is the modern version of the language, and apart from enjoying the variety of benefits listed before, it’s the more secure and up-to-date version. If you’re still running Python 2, your systems are prone to security issues and bugs.
Python 3 also has a much larger community that regularly fixes bugs and works on newer releases to improve the functionality and stability of its codebase. You get access to better performance and always-updated features.
Python 3 was developed as a more readable and easier-to-comprehend version of the language.
It’s also important to remember that you will not be using Python in isolation, and Python 3 is compatible with modern frameworks and libraries. Even if you are able to cope with your existing tech stack, Python 3 is the only option with any long-term viability.
Why Stay With Python 2?
Although Python 2 is now obsolete and poses security and stability concerns if you’re still running it on your systems, there might still be a reason to stay with it.
Many companies have applications written in Python 2 and are hesitant to migrate to Python 3, fearing it will break their applications. Migration tends to be an effort-heavy task that requires not just time but also a significant monetary investment.
Maintaining such legacy applications means retention of Python 2 code alongside efforts to adopt Python 3 for newer development tasks.
Other reasons we have seen that prevent people from migrating entirely include industry-specific tools and libraries, which may not yet be ported to Python 3. If you rely heavily on these, you may have no choice but to stick with Python 2.
Migration from Python 2 to Python 3
To prevent security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, and other consequences of developer support, you will eventually need to migrate. But this is far from an easy task.
Common Migration Challenges
Dependency compatibility is a big issue, as we’ve already mentioned. Many older third-party libraries are not yet available on Python 3. Many old libraries that are no longer supported may never be supported again.
Then you’ve got to consider the amount of time, money, and the potential for mistakes if you have a very large codebase. Each of the sections you code will also need to be extensively tested. While this will prevent bugs, it also consumes time and resources.
Step-by-Step Migration (with Tools)
Following a step-by-step process decreases the likelihood of errors, and knowing where you are in the migration process will give you a better idea of the resources that are still required and the amount of time it may take.
- Audit your existing code to identify where you might be relying on third-party dependencies.
- Update dependencies: Check if a version compatible with Python 3 is available, or find an alternative.
- Run 2to3: This is a tool that automates many syntax transitions.
- Refactor manually: Fill the gaps you weren’t able to automate.
- Test extensively: Ensure that everything functions as intended and that there have been no drops in performance.
- Deploy incrementally: Start with low-risk modules, making sure each change works before starting the next.
Our developers have experience with these migrations for enterprise clients; they can help you develop a plan and make sure everything from your initial audit to your deployment happens quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Which Version Is Better: Python 2 or Python 3?
After comparing the differences between the two versions of Python and considering the reasons to ‘stay or move’, one might wonder which version is better.
Advantages of Python 3
Python 3, by all means, is the better version of the two. The Python 2 vs. Python 3 debate doesn’t really hold water owing to the vast improvements Python 3 has over Python 2.
In addition to performance, syntax, and all other quality-of-life improvements, Python 3 is also the better option in terms of security and reliability. The ever-growing Python 3 community ensures bugs are readily fixed and newer features are introduced regularly.
It also has the necessary libraries for things like machine learning, AI, and data analytics, which are becoming an integral part of modern apps.
Advantages of Python 2
Python 2 does lend itself better in some use cases, as we discussed above. If you’re working with computer graphics, games, or mobile development, it’s worth checking out Python 2.
For developers, perhaps the only other reason to learn or work with Python 2 is to get skilled in Python 3 migration. Moreover, companies require Python 2 developers for maintaining legacy Python 2 code.
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How To Choose the Best Python Version To Use?
Python 3 might be the better version, objectively, but you still need to evaluate your needs and choose the best Python version for your project.
If you’re a relatively new organization, chances are that you’re not using Python 2. In that case, there’s fairly no reason to consider Python 2 unless you’re working with specific libraries that aren’t yet compatible with Python 3.
If you do have legacy Python 2 applications and don’t want to migrate to Python 3 yet, you can retain Python 2 and leverage developers to maintain your codebase. But it’s recommended that you plan for migration to Python 3 as soon as possible. Also, try to choose Python 3 for all new development projects.
Regardless of your Python version, you’ll need to hire Python developers for development, migration, or simply maintenance projects.
Trio can help you hire world-class Python developers without investing thousands into a lengthy recruitment cycle.
Partnering with Trio eliminates the need to incur hiring costs, which can amount to a considerable percentage of a developer’s annual salary. Trio developers are well-trained, driven, and committed to the long run.
Moreover, you don’t need to handle HR functions like payroll, benefits, and compliance. Trio takes care of all of that for you.
Conclusion
Python is easy to pick up and learn, which also leads to a vast number of Python developers vying for in-demand Python roles. You need to thoroughly vet and interview the candidate pool to hire the right developers for your project. And that can sometimes take months.
Trio offers you plug-and-play recruitment and connects you with verified and senior Python developers from around the world. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help scale your next project to new heights.
