Python in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition

Python Implementations

Python currently has three production-quality implementations, known as CPython, Jython, and IronPython, and several other experimental implementations, such as PyPy. This book primarily addresses CPython, the most widely used implementation, 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. Therefore, it can be considered the “reference implementation” of the language. CPython is a compiler, interpreter, and set of built-in and optional extension modules, all 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 26 and a few sections explicitly marked otherwise, applies to CPython, since CPython is the most widely used version of Python.

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. With Jython, you can use all Java libraries and frameworks. For optimal use of Jython, you need some familiarity with fundamental Java classes. You do not have to code in Java, but documentation and examples for existing Java ...