Who created Python and when was it first released?
Guido van Rossum created Python at Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica in the Netherlands. He first released the software as version 0.9.0 in 1991.
Questions about Python (programming language)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the origin of the name Python for the programming language?
The name comes from Monty Python's Flying Circus, a British comedy series that Guido van Rossum enjoyed during development. Code examples often use spam and eggs instead of foo and bar to reference a famous sketch from the comedy group.
When did Python 3.0 arrive and what happened to Python 2.7?
Python 3.0 arrived on the 3rd of December 2008 as a major revision incompatible with earlier versions. Version 2.7 reached its end-of-life in 2020 after being postponed from an initial 2015 target.
How does the Zen of Python influence coding decisions and style guidelines?
The Zen of Python appears in PEP 20 written by Tim Peters and includes aphorisms like explicit is better than implicit. Developers prioritize readability over performance in most decisions and reject patches offering speed increases if they compromise clarity.
Which implementations exist for Python besides CPython and how do they differ?
CPython remains the reference implementation written in C meeting the C11 standard since version 3.11. PyPy acts as a faster compliant interpreter using just-in-time compilation while MicroPython targets microcontrollers including Lego Mindstorms EV3 devices.
Who leads Python development now and when did Guido van Rossum step down?
Guido van Rossum stepped down from leadership duties on the 12th of July 2018. Active core developers elected a five-member Steering Council in January 2019 to drive language development decisions through the Python Enhancement Proposal process.