Exec Summary
This post reviews the compelling and insightful documentary Python: The Documentary | origin story, premiered August 29, 2025, and available on YouTube. The film vividly traces Python’s humble beginnings as a side project by Guido van Rossum in 1990s Amsterdam, through its rise to becoming a global phenomenon powering everything from AI and data science to critical infrastructure at leading tech firms. It explores the technical innovations, governance challenges, and vibrant community spirit that shaped Python. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone curious about the story behind one of the world’s most beloved programming languages and the people who nurtured it from obscurity to ubiquity.
So you know Python?
If there’s one thing nearly every coder, data scientist, and AI enthusiast knows, it’s Python. But how much do we really know about its roots and rise? That’s where the freshly premiered (August 29, 2025) and utterly engrossing Python: The Documentary | An origin story comes in. Available on YouTube here, this 90-minute gem delves deep into the saga of the world’s most beloved programming language, from its humble 90s Amsterdam beginnings, to powering AI, data science, and some of the biggest companies on the planet.
The ABCs Before Python
The film kicks off at CWI, a Dutch research institute, where Python’s story began with a little language called ABC. Designed to be easy to learn and use, even for artists, ABC sowed the seeds for Python. Guido van Rossum, joining the team, re-imagined some ABC concepts (like indentation to group code) but ditched others to birth what would become Python. And yes, the name is a nod to Monty Python’s Flying Circus, adding a quirky dash of humour to the journey.
From Floppy Disks to a Flourishing Community
Releasing Python wasn’t a viral tweet or an app store launch; it was posting tarballs sliced into 21 parts via Usenet, and folks had to jump through hoops to get the code working. Yet, this small but passionate community blossomed, hosting the first Python workshop in 1994 with just 20 people. It was here that Python fans and founders gathered, shared ideas, and shaped a community that would become the backbone of Python’s enduring success.
The Benevolent Dictator and the Zen Philosophy
Guido’s role as the Benevolent Dictator for Life (BDFL) ensured Python’s evolution stayed true to its ethos. Interwoven with that was Tim Peters’ “Zen of Python”—a delightfully poetic set of principles like “Beautiful is better than ugly” and “Readability counts”. This blend of rigour and whimsy gave Python its unique character, making it a joy to write and read.
Python Meets the Big Leagues: Science, Data, and AI
Initially favored by scientists for its readability and power, Python soon became the darling of data analysis, machine learning, and web development, fueled by libraries like NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, and PyTorch. Companies like Dropbox and Instagram harnessed Python not just for scripts but for scalable, production-critical systems, utterly transforming the landscape.
The Great Python 2 to 3 Transition: Drama Included
The documentary doesn’t shy away from the tough parts. Python’s shift from version 2 to 3 was a decade-long rollercoaster filled with controversy, code rewrites, and community debate. Despite the pain, this transition paved the way for a stronger, more modern Python, proving that even beloved tools must evolve.
Inclusivity in Code: Making Python for Everyone
One of the shining themes of the documentary is Python’s commitment to diversity. From the grassroots PyLadies movement to Guido’s personal mentorship of new contributors, Python has worked to become a truly inclusive community. Stories like Mariatta Wijaya’s show how support and representation can open doors and change lives.
A Language for the Future
Today, Python stands at the crossroads of technology’s biggest revolutions: AI, big data, and beyond. The documentary points out that whether you’re automating a tiny task or building models to understand the universe, Python is typically the tool of choice. And with its open community and culture of collaboration, the best is yet to come.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s that Python is far more than just a language, it’s a vibrant community, a culture of fun and learning, and a force that continues to shape our digital world. For anyone interested in programming, technology history, or how a simple idea can turn into a global phenomenon, this film is a must-watch.
Note: On the Internet, nobody knows you're a dog! Who knew coding could be this much fun?
