title: Making Use of Python
author:  Rashi Gupta 
description: A step-by-step guide on how to use Python for CGI scripting, GUI development, network programming, and much more!<br /> <br /> Organizations such as NASA, Hewlett-Packard, and Xerox have already discovered the power that Python has to offer. This multipurpose development language can be used on virtually every platform, from Windows and Linux to OS/2 and Amiga. With its unique task-oriented approach, this book explores the language basics and then describes how to quickly begin using it for development work. Rashi Gupta first explains why Python is arguably the most sophisticated of the popular scripting languages and why its popularity continues to grow. She uncovers all of Python's unique features, detailing its built-in support for critical development steps, including data structures, dynamic typing, and dynamic building. Gupta then discusses how to use Python in lieu of Java or C++ when developing cross-platform applications. All in all, she'll help you gain the skills necessary to begin programming in Python.<br /> <br /> With numerous real-world examples and expert advice,this book:<br /> * Provides a concise and task-oriented introduction to Python<br /> * Helps you evaluate the suitability of Python for your project<br /> * Is a practical introduction to Python's syntax and fundamental strengths<br /> * Includes numerous working scripts, with information on how to adapt and extend them to meet individual needs<br /> <br /> The companion Web site contains:<br /> * All source code from the book<br /> * Frequently asked questions, quizzes, and best practices<br /> * Links to other resource sites<br /> <br /> Wiley Computer Publishing<br /> Timely. Practical. Reliable.<br /> <br /> Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks/<br /> Visit the companion Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks/makinguse
zlib_text: # Python for Finance
  
  ### Yves Hilpisch
  
  ![image with no caption](../images/00001.jpeg)
  
  Beijing • Cambridge • Farnham • Köln • Sebastopol • Tokyo
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Preface
  
  Not too long ago, `Python` as a programming language and platform technology
  was considered exotic — if not completely irrelevant — in the financial
  industry. By contrast, in 2014 there are many examples of large financial
  institutions — like Bank of America Merrill Lynch with its Quartz project, or
  JP Morgan Chase with the Athena project — that strategically use `Python`
  alongside other established technologies to build, enhance, and maintain some
  of their core IT systems. There is also a multitude of larger and smaller
  hedge funds that make heavy use of `Python`’s capabilities when it comes to
  efficient financial application development and productive financial analytics
  efforts.
  
  Similarly, many of today’s Master of Financial Engineering programs (or
  programs awarding similar degrees) use `Python` as one of the core langu