\title{Python Tutorial}

Python is an easy to learn, powerful programming language. It has

efficient high-level data structures and a simple but effective

approach to object-oriented programming. Python's elegant syntax and

dynamic typing, together with its interpreted nature, make it an ideal

language for scripting and rapid application development in many areas

on most platforms.

The Python interpreter and the extensive standard library are freely

available in source or binary form for all major platforms from the

Python web site, \file{http://www.python.org}, and can be freely

distributed. The same site also contains distributions of and

pointers to many free third party Python modules, programs and tools,

and additional documentation.

types implemented in C or C++ (or other languages callable from C).

Python is also suitable as an extension language for customizable

applications.

Python interpreter handy for hands-on experience, but all examples are

self-contained, so the tutorial can be read off-line as well.

For a description of standard objects and modules, see the

\emph{Python Library Reference} document. The \emph{Python Reference

Manual} gives a more formal definition of the language. To write

extensions in C or C++, read the \emph{Extending and Embedding} and

\emph{Python/C API} manuals. There are also several books covering

Python in depth.

This tutorial does not attempt to be comprehensive and cover every

single feature, or even every commonly used feature. Instead, it

introduces many of Python's most noteworthy features, and will give

you a good idea of the language's flavor and style. After reading it,

you will be able to read and write Python modules and programs, and

you will be ready to learn more about the various Python library

modules described in the \emph{Python Library Reference}.

it is encouraged!