Python Resource Center

Python is a great language for those who are new to programming, yet it is powerful enough to please the savvy. Python is a dynamic object-oriented language that is capable of executing powerful code in a few lines. Not convinced yet? Afraid nobody important uses Python? Well, Google and NASA are two examples of organizations that use Python daily. -- NateDelgado – 27 Jan 2009

Getting Started

These are the two text that I found useful when studying python. As a lab, we have yet to agree on a single text that encompasses everything about python.

• Dive Into Python - I read the first four chapters of this book to get a basic understanding of python.
• Learning Python, 3rd edition by Mark Lutz, one of the original 'Test First' people.
• Object-Oriented Programming in Python – After learning the basics of python I switched to this book, and found it extremely detailed and useful, but I wouldn't personally recommend this book if you only know C++ and/or Java. I would recommend understanding python's data types and basic structure first.
• HilarysPythonJournal

Key Python resources

• Python's Official Site - this is a direct link to the beginner's guide on the python homepage. This is an excellent portal for information and tutorials.
• PythonTestingToolsTaxonomy Just what it says! A lovely compare 'n contrast look at the smorgasboard of testing tools out there for agile development of Python in every environment you can imagine and some you can't.

Python Development

• nose - an agile test harness for Python
  • see also Expert Python Programming: Learn best practices to designing, coding, and distributing your Python software, by Tarek Ziade, in Safari books, for examples and a discussion of using nose in practice.
• sphinx - Python's documentation tool
• Django - Django is a Python web framework that focuses on making development fast and easy. The Dry principle is fundamental in Django's philosophy (and all of Python, says HilaryHolz)
• wxPython - this is a useful tool when developing python GUIs.

-- NateDelgado - 27 Jan 2009