Python in a Nutshell

Python Implementations

Python currently has two production-quality implementations, CPython and Jython, and one experimental implementation, Python .NET. This book primarily addresses CPython, which I refer to as just Python for simplicity. However, the distinction between a language and its implementations is an important one.

CPython

Classic Python (a.k.a., CPython, often just called Python) is the fastest, most up-to-date, most solid and complete implementation of Python. CPython is a compiler, interpreter, and set of built-in and optional extension modules, coded in standard C. CPython can be used on any platform where the C compiler complies with the ISO/IEC 9899:1990 standard (i.e., all modern, popular platforms). In Chapter 2, I’ll explain how to download and install CPython. All of this book, except Chapter 24 and a few sections explicitly marked otherwise, applies to CPython.

Jython

Jython is a Python implementation for any Java Virtual Machine (JVM) compliant with Java 1.2 or better. Such JVMs are available for all popular, modern platforms. To use Jython well, you need some familiarity with fundamental Java classes. You do not have to code in Java, but documentation and examples for existing Java classes are couched in Java terms, so you need a nodding acquaintance with Java to read and understand them. You also need to use Java supporting tools for tasks such as manipulating .jar files and signing applets. This book deals with Python, not with Java. For Jython usage, ...