Where is Python in the scheme of things?

[gord]

As a complete novice in the study of Python, I am asking myself where this 
language is superior or better suited than others. For example, all I see in 
the tutorials are lots of examples of list processing, arithmetic 
calculations - all in a DOS-like environment.

What is particularly disappointing is the absence of a Windows IDE, 
components and an event driven paradigm. How does Python stand relative to 
the big 3, namely Visual C++, Visual Basic and Delphi? I realize that these 
programming packages are quite expensive now while Python is free (at least 
for the package I am using - ActivePython).

Please discuss where Python shines.
Gord