Skip to Main Content
Programming Python, Second Edition
book

Programming Python, Second Edition

by Mark Lutz
March 2001
Intermediate to advanced content levelIntermediate to advanced
1296 pages
38h 8m
English
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
Content preview from Programming Python, Second Edition

The Compulsory Features List

One way to describe a language is by listing its features. Of course, this will be more meaningful after you’ve seen Python in action; the best I can do now is speak in the abstract. And it’s really how Python’s features work together, that make it what it is. But looking at some of Python’s attributes may help define it; Table 1-1 lists some of the common reasons cited for Python’s appeal.

Table 1-1. Python Language Features

Features

Benefits

No compile or link steps

Rapid development cycle turnaround

No type declarations

Simpler, shorter, and more flexible programs

Automatic memory management

Garbage collection avoids bookkeeping code

High-level datatypes and operations

Fast development using built-in object types

Object-oriented programming

Code reuse, C++, Java, and COM integration

Embedding and extending in C

Optimization, customization, system “glue”

Classes, modules, exceptions

Modular “programming-in-the-large” support

A simple, clear syntax and design

Readability, maintainability, ease of learning

Dynamic loading of C modules

Simplified extensions, smaller binary files

Dynamic reloading of Python modules

Programs can be modified without stopping

Universal “first-class” object model

Fewer restrictions and special-case rules

Runtime program construction

Handles unforeseen needs, end-user coding

Interactive, dynamic nature

Incremental development and testing

Access to interpreter information

Metaprogramming, introspective ...

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.
Start your free trial

You might also like

Programming Python, 3rd Edition

Programming Python, 3rd Edition

Mark Lutz

Publisher Resources

ISBN: 0596000855Supplemental ContentCatalog PageErrata