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Press Release: March 6, 2001

O'Reilly Releases Completely New Programming Python for Python 2.0

Sebastopol, CA--As Python has grown to embrace developers on a number of different platforms (Unix, Linux, Windows, Mac) companies have taken notice and are adopting Python for their products. It has shown up animating major motion pictures, serving up maps and directories on the Internet, guiding users through Linux installations, testing chips and boards, managing Internet discussion forums, scripting online games, and even scripting wireless products.

"Python is usually on the forefront of most high-tech developments," says Mark Lutz, author of the just-released second edition of Programming Python (O'Reilly US $54.95) "For instance, as an object oriented language, it blends extremely well with the XML view of the world, and there is a Python port to the new C#/.NET system in the works. Because Python is a general purpose language now used by so many people, it tends to keep pace with the bleeding edge at large."

Programming Python, describes the advanced uses of the Python programming language. Among other things, Python supports object-oriented programming; a remarkably simple, readable, and maintainable syntax; integration with C components, and a vast collection of precoded interfaces and utilities. "It's really something of a completely new book that reuses the title of the original/first edition," says Lutz, "This is a radical rewrite from the ground up, to capture the modern Python community and advanced applications, not just an update for Python 2.0."

"I see no end to the radical growth in Python use for any of the foreseeable future," he explains. "I'm seeing companies all over the world beginning to apply Python in exciting ways we never imagined back in '95 when the first edition was written. Perhaps more telling, I also now regularly see students in my Python classes who are there not because they went out and found Python on the Net, but because they are now compelled to use Python in their jobs. That's a fairly radical shift, and represents the critical mass that Python seems to have picked up in the world of real development work. Of course, it's not too bad to be forced to use a programming language optimized to make development faster and more enjoyable; but Python is clearly no longer just for the pioneers."

This second edition of the best-selling Python book to date is the most comprehensive resource available today for serious Python programmers. Endorsed by Python creator Guido van Rossum, who also wrote the foreword, Programming Python, 2nd Edition, focuses on real-world Python applications.

"As a language optimized for developer productivity, Python seems to be right on target to address the developer manpower shortage out there," says Lutz. "For people charged with selecting development tools, it's fairly compelling to realize that you can get the same amount of work done in a fraction of the time with Python. Perhaps just as important, the work you do in Python turns out to be almost automatically maintainable and reusable over the lifespan of a software system. Both of these assets promise to keep pushing Python into the development limelight."

Programming Python, 2nd Edition covers Python 2.0, the first new major release of Python in five years. It also covers new Python tools and applications, including Jython, a version of Python that compiles as Java byte code; Active Scripting and COM extensions; Zope, an open source web application system; the HTMLgen and SWIG code generators; thread support; and the CGI and Internet protocol modules. A wealth of example code is also provided. It includes a platform-neutral CD-ROM filled with the examples from the book and Python-related packages, including the full Python 2.0 source code distribution, the Zope web application framework, the SWIG and HTMLgen code generators, and the PMW megawidgets library.

What Critics Said About the First Edition:

"The best reference on the Python language."
--Suzanne A. Smith, San Diego Union-Tribune, June 8, 1999

"I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning Python."
--Guido van Rossum

"Practical and full of examples you'll use ..."
--Freelance Informer, April 30, 1999

"I hope that Programming Python will help win Python many new converts. Like most O'Reilly & Associates books, it is well written, superbly edited, and informative. Lutz introduces the Python language and its major libraries (of which there are many), and shows how to embed Python in C and vice versa. There are many example programs, all clearly explained, and a CD-ROM with the whole Python release for Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX."
--Dr. Dobbs, November 1997

"For anyone interested in the Python language this book is the best thing around. It may not be the best tutorial from which to learn the language, but any serious programmer will find the book invaluable. Although Programming Python is an excellent book supporting an excellent language, that language may be regulated to a niche player. But if you want an alternative to Java, Python is a good choice, and this book is the perfect starting point"
--Terry Rooker, ;login:, April 1998

Online Resources: Programming Python, 2nd Edition
Object-Oriented Scripting
By Mark Lutz
2nd Edition March 2001
0-596-00085-5, 256 pages, $54.95 Includes CD-ROM
[email protected]
1-800-998-9938

About O’Reilly

For 40 years, O’Reilly has provided technology and business training, knowledge, and insight to help companies succeed. Our unique network of experts and innovators share their knowledge and expertise through the company’s SaaS-based training and learning solution, O’Reilly online learning. O’Reilly delivers highly topical and comprehensive technology and business learning solutions to millions of users across enterprise, consumer, and university channels. For more information, visit www.oreilly.com.

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