Python from 1994 to 2021, my how you've grown!

Episode Deep Dive

Guests Introduction and Background

Barry Warsaw has been involved in Python since 1994, soon after he joined CNRI (Corporation for National Research Initiatives) and met Guido van Rossum. Barry helped bring Guido to CNRI, worked on multiple core Python efforts, and famously composed The Zen of Python song, a smooth and memorable rendition of Tim Peters’ “import this.” Today, Barry continues to be a driving force in the Python community, having served on the Python Steering Council, as well as contributing to open source projects and core Python.

Paul Everett discovered Python in the early 1990s while serving in the U.S. Navy. Seeking a more intuitive scripting language for web backends, he happened upon Python and was instantly drawn to its clarity and simplicity compared to other languages like Perl and Tcl. Paul played an important community-building role as well, helping form organizations such as the Python Software Activity (PSA), which later paved the way for the Python Software Foundation (PSF). Nowadays, he continues to contribute to the Python ecosystem, including at JetBrains where he works with tools like PyCharm.

What to Know If You're New to Python

If you’re just starting out, here are a few pointers from this conversation to help you follow along:

• Python is both a beginner-friendly scripting language and a powerhouse for building large-scale applications.
• One of Python’s core attractions is that you can start small and still scale up, without getting cornered into a “toy” language.
• Many in the community credit Python’s success to its approachable syntax and welcoming developer culture.

Key Points and Takeaways

1. Python’s Evolution from 1994 to Now In the earliest days, Python was a small, lesser-known scripting language unveiled at the first “Spam 1” workshop. Over nearly three decades, it has transformed into one of the most popular languages in the world, embraced by massive enterprises and cutting-edge technology sectors alike.
   • Links and Tools
     • Python.org
     • PyCharm
2. The First Python Conference (SPAM1) and the Community’s Roots In 1994, around 20 Python enthusiasts gathered for the first conference, humorously named SPAM1. Attendees recall that the small size helped them form lasting friendships and set the stage for a close-knit, supportive culture that persists in the Python ecosystem today.
   • Links and Tools
     • PSF (Python Software Foundation)
     • PyCon
3. CNRI, Guido’s Arrival, and Python’s Non-Profit Stewardship Barry shared stories of working at CNRI, the organization that housed Python for several years under the guidance of internet pioneers. This arrangement established a non-commercial environment where Python’s open-source spirit could flourish.
   • Links and Tools
     • CNRI Project Info (historical reference)
     • PSF Sponsorships
4. Collaboration and the Python Culture The culture around Python grew organically thanks to Guido’s leadership style—emphasizing kindness, inclusivity, and openness. Many developers say, “I came for the language but stayed for the community,” which continues to be a defining feature even as the language scales.
   • Links and Tools
     • Guido van Rossum's Python Announcement (Historical)
     • PSF Membership
5. Technical Challenges and Progress: GIL, C API, and Type Hints From the start, Python needed to interface well with C code (e.g., for extension modules). Over time, areas like the GIL (Global Interpreter Lock) and the CPython C API became focal points for debate and innovation, leading to incremental improvements like Python 3’s type hints and better concurrency patterns.
   • Links and Tools
     • NumPy
     • Type Hints in Python
6. Python’s "Fits in Your Head" Philosophy Paul highlighted how Python’s readability and consistency make it appealing to novices and experts alike. Even after decades, developers appreciate that Python’s syntax and idiomatic style can be intuitively understood without constant reference to documentation.
   • Links and Tools
     • Zen of Python “import this”
7. PSF and PyCon: Cornerstones of Python’s Growth PyCon remains one of the largest revenue sources for the PSF, enabling it to fund core development and community initiatives. Despite challenges like the pandemic, PyCon’s ongoing success reflects Python’s global popularity across diverse industries.
   • Links and Tools
     • PSF (Python Software Foundation)
     • PyCon Global Events
8. Data Science, Machine Learning, and the Rise of Python The conversation touched on how Python became the top choice for AI, machine learning, and data science with libraries like NumPy, pandas, and frameworks such as TensorFlow. The ability to seamlessly integrate fast C/C++ code under the hood while exposing a clean Python API is a major advantage.
   • Links and Tools
     • pandas
     • TensorFlow
9. Potential Threats: The Web and Mobile Paul and Barry discussed how Python’s role in “full web stack” scenarios may face pressure from JavaScript-based front-end technologies. On mobile, Python lacks a truly native story, but many developers see new avenues emerging via projects like WebAssembly and specialized frameworks.
   • Links and Tools
     • FastAPI
     • Django
     • Flask
10. Looking Ahead: Future of Python Even after Guido’s retirement, Python continues to thrive under community-driven governance, such as the Steering Council. With ongoing innovations—like subinterpreters, performance upgrades, and corporate sponsorships—Python is positioned to remain relevant for decades to come.

• Links and Tools
  • Python Subinterpreters (PEP 554)
  • PSF Steering Council

Interesting Quotes and Stories

Barry Warsaw on the early days of Python: “We were playing with Python and fell in love with it right away. We met Guido a couple of months later, and not long after, we brought him on board at CNRI.”

Paul Everett on building web apps in 1993: “I remember folks writing CGI in C, or writing it in Bash. Perl was out, but something about Python just clicked. I read a tutorial and said, ‘I’m never going back!’”

On the culture of Python: “People love Python and want to use it, and that sense of positivity and empowerment has drawn in everyone from first-time coders to hardcore system engineers.”

Key Definitions and Terms

• GIL (Global Interpreter Lock): A mechanism in CPython that allows only one thread to execute Python code at a time, affecting multi-threaded concurrency.
• CNRI: Corporation for National Research Initiatives, where Guido van Rossum worked and Python found early support.
• PSF (Python Software Foundation): The non-profit organization behind Python, overseeing its intellectual property and funding.
• SPAM1: The quirky name of the very first Python workshop in 1994, with just about 20 attendees.
• PyCon: The primary annual conference for Python developers worldwide, run by the PSF.

Learning Resources

Below are some curated courses and materials to help you deepen your Python knowledge.

• Python for Absolute Beginners Ideal if you’re totally new to programming. It covers fundamental concepts at a true beginner pace.
• Write Pythonic Code Like a Seasoned Developer Master the idiomatic style of Python code to make the most of its elegance and readability.
• Python Jumpstart by Building 10 Apps A project-based approach to learning Python, ideal for those who prefer hands-on experiences.

Overall Takeaway

From just 20 people at the very first Python workshop in 1994 to major global adoption decades later, Python continues to thrive because of its human-centered community and a language philosophy that balances simplicity with power. Whether you’re a brand-new programmer or a seasoned developer, Python’s broad ecosystem and welcoming spirit make it an outstanding choice for nearly any project—past, present, or future.