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Python Reference Manual

Guido van Rossum
Dept. CST, CWI, P.O. Box 94079
1090 GB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
E-mail: guido@cwi.nl

4 May 1994
Release 1.0.2

Abstract:

Python is a simple, yet powerful, interpreted programming language that bridges the gap between C and shell programming, and is thus ideally suited for ``throw-away programming'' and rapid prototyping. Its syntax is put together from constructs borrowed from a variety of other languages; most prominent are influences from ABC, C, Modula-3 and Icon.
The Python interpreter is easily extended with new functions and data types implemented in C. Python is also suitable as an extension language for highly customizable C applications such as editors or window managers.
Python is available for various operating systems, amongst which several flavors of Unix, Amoeba, the Apple Macintosh O.S., and MS-DOS.
This reference manual describes the syntax and ``core semantics'' of the language. It is terse, but attempts to be exact and complete. The semantics of non-essential built-in object types and of the built-in functions and modules are described in the Python Library Reference. For an informal introduction to the language, see the Python Tutorial.

guido@cwi.nl