Python is gaining popularity as a scripting language, with its usage share growing from 4.7% to 5% between September 2007 and September 2008. There are multiple implementations of Python including CPython, Jython, and IronPython. Sun is working on tools like NBPython to improve the Python development experience in NetBeans, as well as modifying the JVM through projects like JSR-292 and invokedynamic to better support dynamic languages like Python. Challenges for Python's growth include migration, packaging, performance, concurrency, and marketing.

1. Python at Sun
Ted Leung
Principal Engineer, Dynamic Languages and Tools

2. Why?

3. PHP - 8.8%
Python - 4.7%
Perl - 4.3%
JavaScript - 3.3%
Ruby -3.1%

4. (September)
PHP - 9.2%
Python - 5%
Perl - 4.8%
JavaScript - 3.3%
Ruby - 2.7%

7. Runtimes

8. CPython
• Python 2.6 in OpenSolaris
• IPS written in Python
• DTrace probes for Python
• Sun WebStack

9. Jython 2.5
• Full CPython 2.3/2.4/2.5 language feature
support
• Java classes now come in as new-style
classes
• More Python apps run on Jython
• More standard libraries are supported
• ast.py from CPython 2.6

10. Jython
• 2 more betas, RC’s early Feb, final Mar?
• Community
• GlassFish (upcoming)

11. mlvm/DaVinci Machine
• Modify the JVM to support dynamic
languages better
• JSR-292
• JDK 7

12. mlvm/DaVinci Machine
• invokedynamic
• interface injection
• tail calls
• continuations

13. Tools

14. NBPython
• Community driven
• Allan Davis
• Jean-Yves Mengant
• Amit Saha
• Tor Norbye

15. NBPython
• Code completion
• Code Folding
• Semantic Highlighting / Instant Rename
• Debugger
• Platform Manager

16. NBPython
• Early Access atop NetBeans 6.5
• 1.0 in NetBeans 7.0
• CI builds or source for the brave

17. Challenges

18. • Migration
• Packaging
• Performance
• Concurrency
• Marketing/Evangelism