Python
Python is an dynamic object-oriented
programming language that can be compared with Java
and Microsoft's .NET-based languages as a general-purpose
substrate for many kinds of software development.
It offers strong support for integrating with other
technologies, higher programmer productivity throughout
the development life cycle, and is particularly
well suited for large or complex projects with changing
requirements.
Python is the most rapidly
growing open source programming language. According
to InfoWorld its user base nearly doubled in 2004,
and currently includes about 14% of all programmers.
Python is being used in mission
critical applications in the world's largest stock
exchange, forms the basis for high end newspaper
websites, runs on millions of cell phones, and is
used in industries as diverse as ship building,
feature length movie animation, and air traffic
control (see success stories for details).