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"] - information about Python's documentation plus other 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 [wiki:CategoryDocumentation documentation category] for all known documentation-related pages.

Events, Courses, Conferences

• ["PythonConferences"] - information about the Python conference scene, plus upcoming conferences...

  • ["PyCon2008"]

  • ["EuroPython2007"]

• ["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

  • PublishingPythonModules - how to make others aware of your own works

• DevelopmentTools

  • PythonEditors

Participating in the Community

• ["Community"] - a guide to the wider community

• LocalUserGroups - find a Python group near you.

• VolunteerOpportunities

• CommercialServices

• 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

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. WikiGuidelines contains a few hints on the rules we choose to follow in 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"].