Book excerpt: Python is a multipurpose development language that can be used on virtually every platform. It offers built-in support for critical development steps including data structures, dynamic typing, and dynamic building. It can be used in lieu of Java or C++, and Python scripts can be developed in a fraction of the time it takes to program and debug higher-level languages. Covers language basics and how to use Python for CGI scripting, GUI development, network programming, and much more Demonstrates why Python is arguably the most sophisticated of the popular scripting languages and why its popularity continues to grow