Chapter 3. Getting Started

Python is a cross-platform dynamically interpreted language that is extremely easy to use for prototyping. Because it is interpreted and not compiled, the turn around time from coding to testing is fast. This makes it very good for testing and experimenting. It can be used like a scripting language, and can also be used for developing fairly large applications.

Many of the examples in this documentation use Python code to illustrate principles of programming messaging applications using Red Hat Enterprise Messaging. To run these sample programs is as simple as cutting and pasting the code into a file, then calling the python interpreter to execute the file.

Aside from the light-weight prototyping aspect, perhaps the most useful feature of Python for Messaging development is the ability to run the Python interpreter interactively. You can try things out and inspect the effect and state of objects in real-time.

The Python API for Apache Qpid is a first-class supported API in Red Hat Enterprise Messaging.