PERL to Python Migration

The first section will show you the basic layout and approach of the two languages whilst the second section moves on to the specific differences of using Python data types and objects over Perl variables.

The book then moves on to look at the core technologies behind the Python language, including the exception system for handling errors, the class and object orientation system for creating new classes and instances and how to split your program into functions and modules for easier management. All of these basics are treated with respect to people's existing understanding and skills in Perl programming and how they can be leveraged in Python.

The last section of the book then looks at specific areas of programming, data manipulation, network communicated, web programming and others to demonstrate to the reader how to make the move from Perl programming to Python programming.

Skills you will learn

• Introduction to Python
• How to Execute Python Programs
• Components of a Python Program
• The Basic Function Definition
• All about Modules, Classes and Object Orientation
• How to apply Python
• How to interface with the Operating system
• Data Manipulation
• File manipulation
• Communicating over a network
• Web development

Acknowledgments.
Introduction.

I. INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON.

Introduction.
Perl Background.
Python Background.
More about Python.
What is It Good for?
What Isn't It Good for?
Who Uses It?

2. Executing Python Programs.
Interactively.
Execution from a File.
Other Methods.
Python Overview.
Basic Structure.
Variables, Data, and Objects.
Statements and Expressions.
Built-in Functions.
Modules.
The Execution Model.

II. LANGUAGE FUNDAMENTALS.

4. Components of a Python Program.
The basics.
Python Variables.
Object Oddities.
Python Operators.

5. Functions.
Basic Function Definition.
Advanced Function Calling.

6. Exceptions and Error Trapping.
Error Trapping in Perl.
Error Trapping in Python.
The Exception System.
Exception Handlers.
Built-in Exceptions.
Creating New Exception Classes.
Raising an Exception.

7. Modules, Classes, and Object Orientation.
Modules.
Classes.

III. APPLYING PYTHON.

8. Built-in Functions.
Perl to Python Traps.

9. Interfacing with the Operating System.
Communicating with the System.
Working with the Operating System.

10. Data Manipulation. Basic String Handling.
Regular Expressions.
Sorting Sequences.
Copying Variables.
External Data Sources.

11. File Manipulation.
File Processing.
File Management.

12. Communicating over a Network.
Basic Socket Functions.
Running a Server.
Obtaining Networking Information.
Client Modules.

13. Web Development.
Basic CGI Programming.
Handling Cookies.
URL Processing.
Zope.

14. GUI Development with Tk.
Basic Operations.
Dialog Box Sample.

Appendices.
Appendix A. Python Resources.
Web Resources.
E-mail, Newsgroup, and Mailing List Resources.
Online Documentation.
Print Resources.
Appendix B. Perl to Python Quick Reference.