Thanks to the PythonLabs developers and the many hard-working volunteers, I'm proud to release Python 2.1a1 -- the first alpha release of Python version 2.1.
The release mechanics are different than for previous releases: we're only releasing through SourceForge for now. The official source tarball is already available from the download page:
http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=5470
Additional files will be released soon: a Windows installer, Linux RPMs, and documentation.
Please give it a good try! The only way Python 2.1 can become a rock-solid product is if people test the alpha releases. Especially if you are using Python for demanding applications or on extreme platforms we are interested in hearing your feedback. Are you embedding Python or using threads? Please test your application using Python 2.1a1! Please submit all bug reports through SourceForge:
http://sourceforge.net/bugs/?group_id=5470
Want to know what's new in this release first? Andrew Kuchling wrote an excellent overview:
The official release NEWS file is also on the SourceForge site.
--Guido van Rossum (home page: http://www.python.org/~guido/)