Trying to 'get' Python

I jumped into Python thanks to Google App Engine. I couldn't help feel that I wasn't 'getting it', coming from a strongly-typed universe. Bruce Eckel's presentation helped me to really start to 'get' Python.

I'd never really payed much attention to Python until I wanted to try out Google App Engine.  I know that today they've announced Java support for App Engine (and I signed up for and received access to the beta), but I've been playing around with Google App Engine off and on for a couple of months already, which means I've been using Python.

Coming from a strongly-typed background (read Java, C#) I really struggled at first with the 'loose'  style of Python.  After cranking out the first couple of releases of my project I started to wonder what I wasn't getting - it felt like I was treating it like a poor mans Java, so I started to Google for Python 'zen'.

Bruce Eckel was well known in C++ and Java (the 'Thinking In ....' books) so when I came across his ode to Python I was intriuged.

So, if you're trying to see what the fuss is in Python, give this presentation a read - I found it useful and it helped to reset my view of Python ("....you must unlearn what you have learned....!").

Not sure if I'll ever become a full-time Python dude, but I'm glad to finally have it in my toolkit after all these years.

[Update:  There's also still a link to 'Thinking In Python' on Bruce's site.  Posted in 2001, but still a worthwhile read on how to do objects the Python way]