4 From the `official Python website <http://python.org/about/>`_:
6 Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language similar
7 to Tcl, Perl, Ruby, Scheme, or Java. Some of its main key features
10 * very clear, readable syntax
12 Python's philosophy focuses on readability, from code blocks
13 delineated with significant whitespace to intuitive keywords in
14 place of inscrutable punctuation
16 * extensive standard libraries and third party modules for virtually
19 Python is sometimes described with the words "batteries included"
21 `standard library <http://docs.python.org/library/>`_, which can
22 includes modules for regular expressions, file IO, fraction handling,
23 object serialization, and much more.
26 `Python Package Index <http://pypi.python.org/pypi/>`_ is available
27 for users to submit their packages for widespread use, similar to
28 Perl's `CPAN <http://www.cpan.org>`_. There is a thriving community
29 of very powerful Python frameworks and tools like
30 the `Django <http://www.djangoproject.com>`_ web framework and the
31 `NumPy <http://numpy.scipy.org>`_ set of math routines.
33 * integration with other systems
35 Python can integrate with `Java libraries <http://www.jython.org>`_,
36 enabling it to be used with the rich Java environment that corporate
37 programmers are used to. It can also be
38 `extended by C or C++ modules <http://docs.python.org/extending/>`_
39 when speed is of the essence.
41 * ubiquity on computers
43 Python is available on Windows, \*nix, and Mac. It runs wherever the
44 Java virtual machine runs, and the reference implementation CPython
45 can help bring Python to wherever there is a working C compiler.
49 Python has a vibrant and large :ref:`community <the-community>`
50 which maintains wikis, conferences, countless repositories,
51 mailing lists, IRC channels, and so much more. Heck, the Python
52 community is even helping to write this guide!
63 The Hitchhiker's Guide to Python exists to provide both novice and expert
64 Python developers a best-practice handbook to the installation, configuration,
65 and usage of Python on a daily basis.
71 This guide is architected and maintained by `Kenneth Reitz
72 <https://github.com/kennethreitz>`_ in an open fashion. This is a
73 community-driven effort that serves one purpose: to serve the community.
78 All contributions to the Guide are welcome, from Pythonistas of all levels.
79 If you think there's a gap in what the Guide covers, fork the Guide on
80 GitHub and submit a pull request. Contributions are welcome from everyone,
81 whether they're an old hand or a first-time Pythonista, and the authors to
82 the Guide will gladly help if you have any questions about the
83 appropriateness, completeness, or accuracy of a contribution.
85 To get started working on The Hitchhiker's Guide, see
86 the :doc:`/notes/contribute` page.