Installing

Installing Python is generally easy, and nowadaysmany Linux and UNIX distributions include a recent Python.Evensome Windows computers (notably those from HP) now come with Pythonalready installed.If youdo need to install Python and aren't confident about thetask you can finda few notes on theBeginnersGuide/Downloadwiki page, but installation is unremarkable on most platforms.

Learning

Before getting started, you may want to find out whichIDEs andtexteditors are tailored to makePython editing easy, browse the list ofintroductory books, or look atcode samples that you might findhelpful.

There is a list of tutorials suitable for experienced programmers on theBeginnersGuide/Tutorialspage. There is also a list ofresources in other languageswhich might be useful if English is not your first language.

Theonline documentationis your first port of call for definitive information.There is a fairly brieftutorialthat gives you basic information about the language andgets you started. You can follow this by looking at thelibrary referencefor a full description of Python's many libraries and thelanguage reference fora complete (though somewhat dry) explanation of Python's syntax.If you are looking for common Python recipes and patterns, youcan browse theActiveState Python Cookbook

Looking for Something Specific?

If you want to know whether a particular application, or a librarywith particular functionality, is available in Python there are anumber of possible sources of information. The Python web siteprovides aPython Package Index(also known as theCheese Shop, a reference to the Monty Pythonscript of that name).There is also asearch page for a number of sources of Python-relatedinformation. Failing that, justGoogle for a phrase including the word ''python''and you may well get the result you need.If all else fails, ask on thepython newsgroupand there's a good chance someone will put you on the right track.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question, it's a good idea to try theFAQ, which answers the most commonlyasked questions about Python.

Looking to Help?

If you want to help to develop Python, take a look at thedeveloper area for further information.Please note that you don't have to be an expert programmerto help. The documentation is just as important as thecompiler, and still needs plenty of work!