< BACKMake Note | BookmarkCONTINUE >
152015024128143245168232148039199167010047123209178152124239215162145094054191202066127114

Summary

Python is an interpreted, high-level programming language, pure object-oriented and powerful server-side scripting language for the Web. It is an open source project that doesn't have any copylefts or copyrights involved in its license agreement.

You should consider moving to Python because it is simple to get support from the Python community; it is fast to learn and code it; it offers object-oriented programming support; and it provides a readable, reusable, and portable coding language.

The main technical features that distinguish Python from the other languages are as follows:

  • Automatic memory management

  • Exception handling management

  • Rich core library

  • Web scripting support and data handling

  • Rich built-in elements

  • Clear syntax and useful lexical elements

  • Embeddable and Extendable language

  • Objects Distribution support

  • Databases support

  • GUI applications support

  • Introspection

  • Easily integrated to third-party projects.

Python runs on many platforms, such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Macintosh. The source code and the documentation are freely downloadable. It is also available for downloading the binaries for some systems.

Python is always compared against other languages and, usually, it wins.

Python has an implementation in Java called JPython.

Two institutions have guided the Python community along the last few years: the Python Software Activity (PSA) and The Python Consortium. The PSA took the responsibility of creating Python conferences and workshops and keeping the Python official Web site up and running, whereas The Python Consortium supported the development of Python and JPython. Today, the future of these two institutions is a little uncertain because Guido and his whole development team have moved to BeOpen.com to support PythonLabs.com.

The Python community has been doing a great job by providing help to new Python aficionados. Most of this help is provided through the mailing lists, newsgroups, bug lists, and other available forms of support.

By the way, Python has nothing to do with those legless reptiles. It was named after the British comedy troupe Monty Python.


Last updated on 1/30/2002
Python Developer's Handbook, © 2002 Sams Publishing

< BACKMake Note | BookmarkCONTINUE >

© 2002, O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.