Python 2.6 has been released on October 1st. The major theme of this release is preparing the migration path to Python 3.0, a major redesign of the language. Whenever possible, Python 2.6 incorporates new features and syntax from 3.0 while remaining compatible with existing code by not removing older features or syntax. See the what's new docs for more details.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
Member since:2005-07-13
agreed, though i would say to anyone who plans on starting in at this point, wait for 3.0. there are some major changes to the architecute and syntax, not to mention the removal of old and unused bits. 2.6 is a stepping stone for the transition, and 3.0 is shaping up rather nicely.
Member since:2005-07-24
And will be out next week or so, IIRC. I haven't RTFA'd, and it may cover that. But no one should be left thinking that 3.0 is 6 months away or anything. ;-)
3.0 fixes some niggling design issues. After 17 years, Guido and the other devs have swatted a few flies. There is no reason not to start learning with 2.6, 2.5, or 2.4. One might want to upgrade from < 2.4 before starting.
Member since:2005-12-22
I don't think 3.0 will be adopted for a long time. So if you wish to distribute your applications, or if you do web applications (e.g. Django, Turbogears) and serve on a hosted platform, even 2.6 will be too new target.
Many distributions still only have Python 2.4.
For personal projects, sure, go ahead and use Python 3.0, it needs testing.
Member since:2007-03-04
It is a nice language, even often used to teach programming in general. Some links of interest:
How to Think Like a Computer Scientist
http://openbookproject.net/thinkCSpy/index.xhtml
A Byte of Python - Python eBook
http://www.swaroopch.com/notes/Python
Introducing mod_python
http://www.onlamp.com/pub/a/python/2003/10/02/mod_python.html
Mod_python Manual
http://www.modpython.org/live/current/doc-html/
Some Mod_python Examples
http://www.modpython.org/examples/
Enjoy yourself! 
Member since:
2008-02-02
This makes me quite happy. Python is an amazing language ... if you don't know it yet do yourself a favour and take the 20 minutes it takes to learn it ... when you have a problem and solve it elegantly with a small amount of Python code you'll thank yourself!