Oracle and Open Source

Python

Just when you thought it was safe to put this book down, download Perl or Tcl, and get going writing Tk applications for Oracle, there’s yet another open source GUI scripted language you have to consider—Python. When used with the DCOracle database access library extension, Python (combined with its Tkinter windowing system) provides another excellent scripted solution for working with Oracle.

Figure 3-10. The Perlplus Netscape Perl plug-in at work

Python grew out of Guido van Rossum’s work with the Amoeba distributed operating system and his need to create a more useful tool for Amoeba system administration. He first began working on Python in late 1989 and by 1991 was ready to post it to the Internet. Python grew out of the earlier ABC language and a blend of other design ideas—notably, those based around Modula-3. Van Rossum wanted to create a language that was portable and easy to learn and had a powerful, standard library and the capacity for extension and operating system independence.

People often assume that the Python language is named after the famous snake; however, it is in fact named after one of England’s finest exports, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” Python now has a large and independent clan of enthusiastic supporters, and it is Eric Raymond’s choice as the best first language for budding hackers. Python is similar in programming scope to both Perl and Tcl ...