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).