FREDERICKSBURG, Va., December 19, 2003 -- The Python Software Foundation (PSF) announces the release of version 2.3.3 of the Python programming language. This minor release provides fixes for a number of problems found in the previous version of Python, including several serious errors with weakrefs and the cyclic garbage collector. There are also a number of fixes to the standard library.

Python is a powerful and agile programming language that significantly increases programmer productivity. It is very easy to learn for programmers of other languages such as C, C++, Java, and Visual Basic. The language is the basis of mission-critical applications used by tens of thousands of companies and organizations worldwide, and its user base is growing rapidly. Python is increasingly used in large system development to decrease software costs, mitigate risk, and meet aggressive schedules.

"Python is under constant development by hundreds of programmers around the world. This maintenance release brings important bug fixes from the community to all users of Python 2.3," said Guido van Rossum, creator of Python and president of the PSF.

Python 2.3 is currently shipping with latest Apple's OS X release, and plays a key role in the technical infrastructure at companies such Google, Industrial Light & Magic, NASA, The New York Stock Exchange, Philips, Rackspace, RedHat, NASA, Disney, and many others.

For more information about Python 2.3.3 or to download it, please visit http://www.python.org/2.3.3/

About Python

Python is a powerful object oriented programming language that is developed and maintained by a global community of Open Source contributors, under the oversight of the Python Software Foundation. Python's unique blend of simplicity and power excels in a wide range of software development tasks, including the construction of web applications, complex integrated business solutions, and large desktop applications. Python is often characterized as an agile language that promotes speedy development and includes a unit-testing framework for building more robust applications.

Key features of Python include:

• Object orientation, modular name spaces, exceptions, and multi-threading
• High-level dynamic data typing and very late binding
• Tight integration with C, C++, and Java modules
• May be compiled to Java byte code for use in any JVM
• String and regular expression processing
• Extensive XML and web services support
• HTTP, FTP, SMTP, POP, IMAP, NNTP, telnet, and other IP protocols
• HTML, MIME, base64, binhex, uuencode, and other internet data handling
• GUI development and multimedia services
• Unit testing, profiling, and documentation generation
• Available third party modules for database access, math, 3D modeling, image processing, LDAP, WebDAV, jabber, MIDI, and much more

Additional information and downloads are available at www.python.org.

About the PSF

The Python Software Foundation (PSF) is a non-profit organization devoted to advancing Open Source technology related to the Python programming language. The PSF holds the intellectual property rights to Python and plans to fund portions of future development of the language. Additional information on the PSF is available at http://www.python.org/psf. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit http://www.python.org/psf/donations.html. Company sponsorships are also being accepted.