Guido van Rossum is a name synonymous with Python, one of the world’s most popular and versatile programming languages. As its creator, Guido has profoundly impacted the landscape of software development, data science, and beyond. This page serves as a personal glimpse into the world of Guido van Rossum, a Distinguished Engineer at Microsoft and the original author of Python.
Guido van Rossum Headshot – A portrait of the creator of the Python programming language.
Who is Guido van Rossum?
Often described with the phrase “Gawky and proud of it.“, Guido van Rossum’s journey in computer programming is an inspiring tale of innovation and dedication. Born and raised in the Netherlands, his “King’s Day Speech” offers insights into his perspectives and motivations.
Guido is best known as the author of Python. His resume and publications list further detail his extensive career and contributions to the field. For those seeking a deeper understanding, a brief biography, assorted writings, presentations, and interviews are available, all shedding light on his work with Python. You can also find pictures of Guido, his new blog, and his old blog on Artima.com for more personal insights. For real-time updates, follow him on Twitter @gvanrossum.
Currently holding the position of Distinguished Engineer at Microsoft, Guido’s career path includes notable stints at Dropbox, Google, Elemental Security, Zope Corporation, BeOpen.com, CNRI, CWI, and SARA. Notably, Python was born during his time at CWI, marking a pivotal moment in programming history. (More details are in his resume).
Guido van Rossum Profile – An image capturing Guido van Rossum, the influential figure behind Python.
Connecting with Guido
While Guido values communication, his current commitments limit his availability for certain types of interactions. Email remains the best way to reach him at guido (at) python.org. He diligently reads all emails but may not be able to respond to each one due to the high volume he receives.
It’s important to note that Guido is no longer accepting invitations for talks, keynotes, podcasts, or interviews. The sheer number of requests makes individual declines impractical. Offers of payment or trips will not alter this policy.
For Python-related queries, Guido kindly directs users to the comprehensive Python documentation and online Python forums. Bug reports should be submitted via the GitHub issue tracker. Language change proposals are welcomed on Discourse, and job offers are not being considered as he is content in his current role. Lastly, while he appreciates grand schemes for humanity, he may not be able to participate.
Understanding Guido’s Name: Pronunciation and Spelling
Guido van Rossum’s name often presents a point of interest, particularly regarding pronunciation and spelling.
Pronunciation: In Dutch, the “G” in Guido is pronounced as a hard “G,” similar to the “ch” in the Scottish word “loch”. An audio clip is available for auditory guidance. However, the Italian pronunciation of “Guido” is also acceptable, especially for American English speakers. Guido humorously dismisses any concerns about associations with mob connotations.
Spelling: His last name, “van Rossum,” is correctly written as two words. Despite occasional misspellings on documents like credit cards, the two-word format is preferred. Dutch spelling conventions dictate that “van” is not capitalized when used with his first name (“Guido van Rossum”) but is capitalized when referring to him by last name alone (“Van Rossum was right”).
Alphabetization: Alphabetical sorting varies geographically. In America, he is listed under “V,” while in Europe, “R” is the standard. Some individuals even alphabetize him under “G.”
Additional Resources
Explore more hyperlinks to further delve into Guido’s work and related topics.
The Legacy of The Audio File Formats FAQ
Guido van Rossum initiated and maintained the Audio File Formats FAQ, a valuable resource in its time. Later maintained by Chris Bagwell, it appears to have been archived. It can still be accessed via archive.org by searching for the provided URL. Additionally, a link to SOX, a project to which Guido contributed early code, is available for those interested in audio software.
“On the Internet, nobody knows you’re a dog.” – A classic cartoon reflecting internet anonymity on Guido van Rossum’s page.
