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The Python Programming Language
-------------------------------

* *Interpreted*

  * No compiler (and entire toolchain) needed
  * Interpreter generates intermediate *byte code*

* *Object Oriented*

  * Classes/encapsulation, exception handling, ...
  * But not mandatory as in Java, for example

* *Interactive*

  * *Python prompt* |longrightarrow| Interpreter's *interactive mode*

* *For beginners*

  * Simple syntax: *indentation* instead of explicit block markers
  * Consistent
  * "There's only one way to do it!"

* *Powerful*

  * Advanced language features: Iteration, ``yield``, ...
  * Huge library |longrightarrow| "Comes with batteries included"

A Little Bit of History
-----------------------

* Written and conceived by Guido Van Rossum during the late eighties

  * Named after *Monty Python*

* First public release 1991 --- version 0.9.0

  * Modern language attributes: classes, exceptions, modules, ...

* Version 1.5 (1997)

  * Major version for a longer time
  * Several useful features: keyword arguments, functional programming
      tools, name mangling/data hiding, ...

* Version 2.7 (2010)

  * Still backwards compatible with all previous versions
  * Last version of the 2.x series
  * Only fixes
  * Promised to be supported until 2020

* Version 3.0 (2008)

  * Incompatible in subtle ways

Guido Van Rossum
----------------

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   * - - *Benevolent Dictator for Life* (BDFL)
       - Oversees Python's development process
       - Born 31 January, 1956 in the Netherlands
       - Degree in Math and Computer Science (University of Amsterdam)
       - Jobs permit at least 50% work on Python

	 * Google
	 * Dropbox

     - .. image:: Guido_van_Rossum_OSCON_2006.jpg