Python is an interpreted (a computer program that executes other programs), interactive open-source programming language, similar to Tcl, Perl, Scheme or Java. Major organizations such as Google use Python for tasks like the backends of Web apps (Gmail and Google Maps) and search-engine internals. With Python, Second Edition: Visual QuickStart Guide, readers can start from the beginning to get a tour of the programming language, or look up specific tasks to learn just what they need to know. This task-based, visual reference guide uses step-by-step instructions and plenty of screenshots to teach beginning and intermediate users (ideally with some programming experience) how to use Python for routine and advanced programming tasks. Leading technology author Chris Fehily takes readers step-by-step through the latest Python 2.4, showing them how to everything from writing simple scripts to developing Web sites to creating complex applications. To keep the book a manageable size, the author limits the scope to Pythons core language and libraries. Notable changes in Python 2.4 include improvements to the importing of modules; function decorators; generator expressions; a number of new modules (including subprocess, decimal, and cookielib); a host of bug fixes and other improvements; and more! Both beginning users, who want a thorough introduction to the programming language, and more advanced users, who are looking for a convenient reference, will find what they need herein straightforward language and through readily accessible examples. By the end of the book, users will be able to smoothly program and integrate Python into their work or projects.