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91 lines
3.1 KiB
ReStructuredText
Introduction
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============
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.. image:: https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4180/34725946825_0f85497e60_k_d.jpg
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From the `official Python website <http://python.org/about/>`_:
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Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language similar
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to Tcl, Perl, Ruby, Scheme, or Java. Some of its main key features
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include:
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* **very clear, readable syntax**
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Python's philosophy focuses on readability, from code blocks
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delineated with significant whitespace to intuitive keywords in
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place of inscrutable punctuation.
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* **extensive standard libraries and third party modules for virtually
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any task**
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Python is sometimes described with the words "batteries included"
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because of its extensive
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`standard library <http://docs.python.org/library/>`_, which includes
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modules for regular expressions, file IO, fraction handling,
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object serialization, and much more.
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Additionally, the
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`Python Package Index <http://pypi.python.org/pypi/>`_ is available
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for users to submit their packages for widespread use, similar to
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Perl's `CPAN <http://www.cpan.org>`_. There is a thriving community
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of very powerful Python frameworks and tools like
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the `Django <http://www.djangoproject.com>`_ web framework and the
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`NumPy <http://numpy.scipy.org>`_ set of math routines.
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* **integration with other systems**
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Python can integrate with `Java libraries <http://www.jython.org>`_,
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enabling it to be used with the rich Java environment that corporate
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programmers are used to. It can also be
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`extended by C or C++ modules <http://docs.python.org/extending/>`_
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when speed is of the essence.
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* **ubiquity on computers**
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Python is available on Windows, \*nix, and Mac. It runs wherever the
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Java virtual machine runs, and the reference implementation CPython
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can help bring Python to wherever there is a working C compiler.
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* **friendly community**
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Python has a vibrant and large :ref:`community <the-community>`
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which maintains wikis, conferences, countless repositories,
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mailing lists, IRC channels, and so much more. Heck, the Python
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community is even helping to write this guide!
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.. _about-ref:
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About This Guide
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----------------
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Purpose
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~~~~~~~
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The Hitchhiker's Guide to Python exists to provide both novice and expert
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Python developers a best practice handbook for the installation, configuration,
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and usage of Python on a daily basis.
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By the Community
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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This guide is architected and maintained by `Kenneth Reitz
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<https://github.com/kennethreitz>`_ in an open fashion. This is a
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community-driven effort that serves one purpose: to serve the community.
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For the Community
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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All contributions to the Guide are welcome, from Pythonistas of all levels.
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If you think there's a gap in what the Guide covers, fork the Guide on
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GitHub and submit a pull request.
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Contributions are welcome from everyone, whether they're an old hand or a
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first-time Pythonista, and the authors to the Guide will gladly help if you
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have any questions about the appropriateness, completeness, or accuracy of
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a contribution.
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To get started working on The Hitchhiker's Guide,
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see the :doc:`/notes/contribute` page.
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