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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 ⟶ 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 ⟶ “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

  • 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

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