Presentation of Python

Python is an elegant and robust programming language that combines the power and flexibility of traditional compiled languages with the ease-of-use of simpler scripting and interpreted languages. Moreover Python and its scientific libraries are free and open-source.

Some advantages of Python and Scipy are

Wealth of scientific packages

Scipy is a full blown scientific library which comprises linear algebra, optimisation, differential equation solving etc.

Interpreted

as Ruby, php, MATLAB

Extensible

There are several ways to wrap C or Fortran code, to generate C or Fortran code for optimal performances

Easy to learn, read and maintain

The syntax and concepts of the language are both simple and logical

Advanced

Supports object orientated programming, exception handling etc.

General Purpose

Python is a general purpose language that can be used for scientific computing as well as many other tasks. For example data parsing, web page generation (as this one) and many more application domains. Some examples are to be found in the Python Homepage.