#acl All:read

= The Python Wiki =

Python is a great object-oriented, interpreted, and interactive programming language. It is often compared (favorably of course :-) ) to Lisp, Tcl, Perl, Ruby, C#, Visual Basic, Visual Fox Pro, Scheme or Java... and it's much more fun.

Python combines remarkable power with very clear syntax. It has modules, classes, exceptions, very high level dynamic data types, and dynamic typing. There are interfaces to many system calls and libraries, as well as to various windowing systems. New built-in modules are easily written in C or C++ (or other languages, depending on the chosen [[implementation]]). Python is also usable as an extension language for applications written in other languages that need easy-to-use scripting or automation interfaces.

== Getting Started ==

  * [[BeginnersGuide]] - links to tutorials, courses and resources
  * [[Documentation]] - learning materials, topic guides and links to central resources
  * [[PythonBooks]] - books about Python plus reviews
  * [[Asking for Help]] - questions asked by beginners, answered here
  * BeginnerErrorsWithPythonProgramming - some common pitfalls
  * PythonAudioMaterial - a mixture of introductory and topical material
  * [[Languages]] - resources written in languages other than English
  * See also the [[CategoryDocumentation|documentation category]] for all known documentation-related pages.
  * [[implementation|Python implementations]] - different software which runs programs in the Python language

== Events, Courses, Conferences ==

  * [[PythonConferences]] - information about the Python conference scene
  * [[PythonEvents]] - covers conferences, training courses and more
  * LocalUserGroups - find a Python group near you.

== Python Software ==

  * [[PythonProjects]] - information on finding software projects written in Python, including...
    * [[Applications]] - ready-to-run applications which use Python
    * [[UsefulModules]] - some building blocks for your own projects (including frameworks for database, GUI, Web programming)
    * PublishingPythonModules - how to make others aware of your own works
  * DevelopmentTools - managing your code more effectively
    * PythonEditors - editing your code more effectively

== Participating in the Community ==

  * [[Community]] - a guide to the wider community
  * LocalUserGroups - find a Python group near you.
  * VolunteerOpportunities - projects which need help
  * DiversityInPython - resources on being welcoming to all populations of Python users.
  * CommercialServices - people you can pay to develop or deploy Python on your behalf
  * The python.org community:
    * PythonWebsite (behind the scenes of python.org)
    * [[How to...]] guides
    * [[http://www.python.org/dev/doc/|Contribute to the documentation]]
  * CoreDevelopment - developing the Python language and runtime itself
    * BuildBot - automated testing of the Python source code
    * PyBots (Python Community Buildbots)
    * [[Python24Fixes]] - task list for preparing the Python 2.4.4 release.
    * PythonEnhancementProposals (PEPs) - how the language evolves
    * [[Special Interest Groups]] (SIGs) - discussion of improvements in specific areas
    * Experimental distributed version control mirrors
      * [[Bazaar]]
      * [[Git]]
      * [[Mercurial]]

== Using this Wiki ==

Feel free to add more useful stuff (see HelpContents and HelpOnEditing to learn how), but do us a favour and do tests in the WikiSandBox if you're not accustomed to Wiki technologies. If you're new to Wikis, please read WikiWikiWeb.

See WikiGuidelines for details of the policies and rules governing this Wiki.

See RecentChanges for a history, available in RSS format ([[http://www.python.org/moin/?action=rss_rc|{{http://wiki.python.org/wiki/python/img/moin-rss.png}}]]). To see pages which need writing, take a look at [[DesiredPages]].

To report problems or to help out, please contact the [[mailto:webmaster@python.org|python.org maintainers]].