SUMMARY:   The Python language is a very powerful scripting language created on an object model. This course covers all of the basic syntax and functions of the language, as well as exercises that show how to build a GUI interface to the scripts you write. We will also work with Python as a cgi language, able to build back-end processes for your web server. An optional fourth day is offered which will include using existing open-source modules to extend Python's functions. AUDIENCE:   Programmers, Web Developers, and anyone who needs to support or create programs (including cgi scripts) using Python. PREREQUISITES:   The participant should have a basic understanding of both programming and object programming concepts, but it is not required. DURATION:   3 Days (or optional 4 days). APPROACH:   This class is taught by lecture with hands-on workshops. COURSE CONTENT:   INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON SCRIPTING LANGUAGES OBJECT LANGUAGES VARIABLES, EXPRESSIONS, STRINGS AND ARRAYS CODING SYNTAX REQUIREMENTS STRING AND CHARACTER MANIPULATION DICTIONARIES CONTROL FLOW PROCEDURES FUNCTIONS NAVIGATING AND MANIPULATING THE FILE SYSTEM FILE I/O EXCEPTION HANDLING (TRY AND EXCEPT) SCRIPTING PYTHON AS AN OBJECT LANGUAGE CREATING THE GUI PACKAGES REGULAR EXPRESSIONS *OPTIONAL 4TH DAY INCLUDES USING MODULES TO EXTEND PYTHON'S ABILITIES. SPECIFICALLY, THE WINDOWS COM MODULE AND THE HTMLGEN MODULE.