Why is print not a function in python?

Question

Why is print a keyword in python and not a function?

Answer 1

print was a statement in Python because it was a statement in ABC, the main inspiration for Python (although it was called WRITE there). That in turn probably had a statement instead of a function as it was a teaching language and as such inspired by basic. Python on the other hand, turned out to be more than a teaching language (although it's good for that too).

However, nowadays print is a function. Yes, in Python 2 as well, you can do

from __future__ import print_function

and you are all set. Works since Python 2.6.