Python is a widely used general purpose programming language created by Guido van Rossum in 1991. It emphasizes code readability and is easy to learn. Major releases include Python 1.0 in 1994, Python 2.0 in 2000 with new features like comprehensions, and Python 3.0 in 2008 which rectified fundamental flaws. Python supports applications including web development, desktop GUIs, science/analytics, software development, business systems, database access, games, and network programming.