Guido van Rossum is a renowned figure in the world of computer programming, best known as the creator of the Python programming language. His work has significantly impacted software development, making programming more accessible and efficient for countless developers. This article delves into his background, contributions, and current endeavors.
A Glimpse into Guido’s World
Guido van Rossum describes himself as “Gawky and proud of it.” For a dose of inspiration, you can read his “King’s Day Speech”.
The Architect of Python
Van Rossum is the original author of the Python programming language. Python’s design philosophy emphasizes code readability with its use of significant indentation. This has made it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced programmers. You can explore his resume, publications list, a brief bio, assorted writings, presentations, and interviews (all about Python). For more visual insights, see pictures of him. He also maintains a new blog, and his old blog is available on Artima.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @gvanrossum.
Guido’s Professional Journey
Currently, Guido van Rossum is a Distinguished Engineer at Microsoft. Throughout his career, he has contributed to several prominent organizations, including Dropbox, Google, Elemental Security, Zope Corporation, BeOpen.com, CNRI, CWI, and SARA. His creation of Python took place during his time at CWI. (For more details, see his resume.)
Contacting Guido
While Guido appreciates hearing from people, he receives a high volume of emails. You can reach him at guido (at) python.org. He reads everything but can’t respond to all inquiries.
It’s important to note that Guido no longer participates in speaking engagements, podcasts, or interviews due to the overwhelming number of requests. He also prefers not to receive questions about Python usage (refer to the documentation or Python forums), bug reports (use the GitHub issue tracker), language change proposals (use Discourse), job offers, or requests for collaborations.
Understanding Guido’s Name
Guido’s name often presents pronunciation and spelling challenges, particularly for those unfamiliar with Dutch naming conventions.
Pronunciation: In Dutch, the “G” in Guido is pronounced with a hard “G,” similar to the “ch” in the Scottish word “loch.” (Listen to the sound clip.) Americans may pronounce it with the Italian “Guido” sound, which he doesn’t mind.
Spelling: His last name consists of two words. He prefers it to remain that way. In conjunction with his first name, “van” is not capitalized: “Guido van Rossum.” However, when referring to him by his last name alone, it is capitalized: “As usual, Van Rossum was right.”
Alphabetization: In the United States, he is alphabetized under “V.” However, in Europe, he is alphabetized under “R.” Some people even list him under “G” in their address books.
Additional Contributions
Before Chris Bagwell took over, Guido was the original creator and maintainer of the Audio File Formats FAQ. Although it seems to have been lost, you can find it on archive.org by searching for http://www.cnpbagwell.com/audio-faq. He also contributed early code to SOX.
Conclusion
Guido van Rossum’s impact on the programming world is undeniable. Through Python, he has empowered developers worldwide, promoting code readability and making programming more accessible. His ongoing work at Microsoft ensures his continued influence in shaping the future of technology.
