Chapter 1. Welcome to Python!

Chapter Topics

• What is Python, Its History and Features

• Where to Obtain Python

• How to Install and Run Python

• Python Documentation

• Comparing Python

Our introductory chapter provides some background on what Python is, where it came from, and what some of its “bullet points” are. Once we have stimulated your interest and enthusiasm, we describe how you can obtain Python and get it up and running on your system. Finally, the exercises at the end of the chapter will make you comfortable with using Python, both in the interactive interpreter and also in creating scripts and executing them.