Python 3.2.3. released.

Python 3.2.3. was released yesterday, it's the next stable version. Python is an open source object oriented dynamic programming language, becoming the standard in all major 3D graphics software. It is used today in Autodesk Maya and 3ds Max, Nuke, Houdini, Cinema 4D, Fusion and Blender. Python is also used to create games, like 'Sid Meier's Civilization IV' (2k Games) and Battlefield 2142 (EA).

Python was developed by Dutchman Guido van Rossum in 1989 at CWI Amsterdam ('Centrum Wiskunde en Informatica' or 'National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science'), one of the leading European research centers in the field of mathematics and theoretical computer science, founded by Johannes van der Corput and his collegues in 1946.

Van Rossum's work is greatly respected in the open source community, earning him the BDFL title ('Benevolent Dictator for life') as he's still the authority behind Python and decides it's future course.  See what's new in Python 3.2 or check the main site and download it for free here.

As of version 3.0, Python programmers are sort of in a state of dilemma. Version 3 is actually a mutation and incompatible with previous versions, which are widely used all around. Both versions are now updated and available and it will take a long time before the newer Python has completely taken over. So while 3.2.3 is the latest, version 2.7.3. was also released. The 2.7 series is scheduled as the last major version in the 2.x series.

Below left: Guido van Rossum is still a big fan of 'Monty Python's Flying Circus' (after which he named his project in 1989). He now works for Google, who's search engines rely heavily on his programming language. Right: Mark Lutz's bestselling two-volume set from O'reilly is excellent if you want to get into learning Python. Guido van Rossum's blog.