

#513: Stories from Python History
24 snips Jul 14, 2025
Join Python legends Barry Warsaw, Paul Everitt, Carol Willing, and Brett Cannon as they share hilarious and heartfelt stories from Python's colorful history. Discover how the quirky name linked to Monty Python and the evolution from a niche language to an AI powerhouse have shaped the community. Enjoy anecdotes from the very first PyCon and hear about Python's growing presence in the banking sector. Their reflections celebrate the camaraderie that defines the Python community and foster a spirit of mentorship and inclusivity.
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Brett's Iconic PyCon Moment
- Brett Cannon improvised at the 2014 PyCon opening speech when asked last minute to fill in for chair Diana Clark.
- He coined "I came for the language, stayed for the community" spontaneously to express his appreciation.
Guido's Impact on Community
- Guido van Rossum's humanity shaped Python's warm community culture.
- The community self-sustains by attracting those who share similar values and letting others leave.
Python's Readability Roots
- Python's design inherited ABC's readability and maintainability focus from the start.
- This makes Python more welcoming and inclusive by design compared to many other languages.