python 2.6 or python 3.1?

Question

I am about to learn Python and was wondering what is recommended, learning python 2.6 or 3.1? (any tips on learning python is welcomed as well =)

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edit: Is the difference really big between the two? If I learn python 2 will i have trouble learning python 3?

Answer 1

• If you're looking to develop software right now stick with Python 2.6.
• If you're looking to learn the language and experiment go with Python 3.1.

Python 3.1 doesn't have the same library support (yet!) as Python 2.6, so you'll encounter difficulties working with existing software projects. If you're not pressed to produce a working product at this very moment, I'd suggest trying out Python 3.1. And there is no better place to start than Dive Into Python 3, as has been mentioned by Clint. Good luck!

UPDATE 2011-2-27: I'd say that support for Python 3 is improving constantly and you might want to check and see if your project can't be done with Python 3. There's a website devoted to tracking support for Python 3: http://getpython3.net/