Python 2 is an older version of the popular programming language Python, released in 2000. It introduced many features that made coding easier, such as dynamic typing and a simple syntax. However, it is no longer actively maintained, with its final release, Python 2.7, occurring in 2010. In January 2020, support for Python 2 officially ended, meaning no more updates or security fixes are provided. Users are encouraged to transition to Python 3, which offers improved functionality and performance. Despite its discontinuation, some legacy systems still rely on Python 2 for compatibility reasons.