What is CPython?

Question

Options

• AIt's a programming language that is a superset of the C language, designed to produce Python-like performance with code written in C.
• BIt's a default, reference implementation of the Python language, written in C.
• CIt's a programming language that is a superset of the Python, designed to produce C-like performance with code written in Python.
• DIt's a default, reference implementation of the C language, written in Python.

• A
  14% (5)
• B
  78% (29)
• C
  5% (2)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

CPython is the default and reference implementation of the Python programming language, and it is written in C - making B correct. When you download Python from python.org and run a .py file, you're using CPython; it compiles your Python source to bytecode, then interprets that bytecode via a C runtime.

Why the distractors fail:

• A inverts the relationship - CPython isn't a superset of C, nor does it produce "Python-like performance from C code."
• C describes something closer to Cython (a real but separate tool), which lets you write Python-like code that compiles to C extensions for speed - easy to confuse, but not CPython.
• D flips the languages entirely - no such thing as a "C reference implementation written in Python."

Memory tip: Break the word apart - CPython = the C-language implementation of Python. The leading language is the implementation language, the trailing language is what it runs.

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