What is Python?!

[Robert Wierschke]

hi

I'm learning python since 3 days. I' ve some programming experience in 
BASIC, Pascal, C, C++ and Java. Actually I want to add a scripting 
language to this repertoire (I have virtually no experience with 
scripting).

Having read that python is object orientated, I start wondering if 
python is the right choice and what it is...

	a scripting language or a "normal" language like C++ etc.

So please tell me what python is, what are it's strength, what is it 
good for and when should I use it and not one of the other languages.

other questions:
What about graphic? Can I create graphical interfaces with python?

Python is interpreted but is it compiled to something like the java byte 
code or are there other ways to prevent the user to read my code?

further hints for learning python and recommendations on books, 
tutorials, exampels, etc. are also welcome.

thanks