= Getting Started with Python =

To quote from the [http://www.python.org Python website]:
 Python is a dynamic object-oriented programming language that can be used for many kinds of software development. It offers strong support for integration with other languages and tools, comes with extensive standard libraries, and can be learned in a few days. Many Python programmers report substantial productivity gains and feel the language encourages the development of higher quality, more maintainable code.

It has very good support for arrays and matrices when combined with the [http://numeric.scipy.org/ numerical python libraries].  

The single most useful source that I (MatthewBrett) have found is the the book [http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/lpython2/ Learning Python] by Mark Lutz and David Ascher.  I have a couple of copies in my office to lend if you are interested. 

Other resources are:

 * [http://www.python.org/about/gettingstarted/ Python for Beginners]
 * [http://rgruet.free.fr/PQR24/PQR2.4.html Python Quick Reference]
 * [http://www.third-bit.com/swc/index.html Software Engineering for Scientists and Engineers] by [http://www.third-bit.com/~gvwilson/ Dr. Gregory V. Wilson]
 * [http://scipy.org/NumPy_for_Matlab_Users NumPy for Matlab Users]
 * [http://scipy.org Scientific Tools for Python]
 * [http://code.enthought.com/traits/ Enthought traits]