Python 2.2.3 and 2.5.2

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language. 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. Python is also usable as an extension language for applications that need a programmable interface.

Information about what's new in Python 2.2 is available from the vendor.

Python 2.5.2 was recently installed on Dante, Homer, Ovid, and Vergil.

Using the Software
You will find it useful to consult a good book on Python. If you use Python on the computers listed above, the path to the Python interpreter should be specified in the first line of your program as:

#!/usr/local/bin/python

This is a new install and more information about its use will be provided in the near future.

Also note, that because of considerations of compatibility with our operating system, and with current users, we are retaining different versions and names for python. So when you invoke python, either from the command line or within a python program you need to know that:

python          refers to python version 2.2.3
python2    also refers to python version 2.2.3
python2.2  also refers to python version 2.2.3
python2.5       refers to python version 2.5.2 

Documentation
For an introduction to programming in Python you are referred to the Python Tutorial. The Python Library Reference documents built-in and standard types, constants, functions and modules. Finally, the Python Reference Manual describes the syntax and semantics of the core language in detail.

A man page is available. At the system prompt, type:

% man python

Technical Support
Help is available from UW Technology. Send a question to help@u.washington.edu if you need help with this software.

Additional resources are the Python FAQ and Hints.