Random Interview: Fabio Rotondo

What's your name and what do you do?

My name is Fabio Rotondo and I am the owner of OS3 srl, a software company located in Novara.

How did you start using Python?

I started using Python in 1998 / 1999. I don't remember exactly. In those days I was into learning new programming languages (no matter how famous or useful they were ...) so I step into Python. I must say I was really fascinated. It was so powerful! I wrote an article on an Italian Amiga magazine about it, introducing its strengths. Consider also that Python used to fully integrate with the Amiga OS, becoming a valuable help in scripting tasks for system administration.

Then I ported Python inside the company I worked for in those years, because Python scripts were faster than Korn Shell's scripts I used to write to manipulate texts.

Name one Python feature you wouldn't live without

Two things I can't live without: lists and dictionaries. They are extremely fast and very well implemented. I think that one think you should be able to program Python in a "pythonic" way is to understand how often a problem is just a matter of right lists and dictionaries manipulation. They integrate so well in the language, it is a pleasure to use them.

What is your talk/training about?

I am introducing two things: PyHP which is a server side scripting solution to create dynamic websites (very similar in philosophy to PHP, but with python as scripting language) and the LiWE framework, a full feature framework to create great websites in minutes!

Tease us with one secret that will be revealed during your talk/training

Well.... my talk will be "PyHP and the Art of Dating Girls" ... should I say more? ;-)

A part from this, LiWE has a very strong AJAX approach at its base, I thin that even if you use a different framework, you should see how we do things in LiWE framework.

Name another talk you wouldn't miss in the same track on the same day, and why.

Image processing in Python. Image manipulation is something I've always been into. I think I'll have to see it on video, later :-)

Name another training that you wouldn't miss at EuroPython.

Experiences making CPU-bound tasks run much faster, this is interesting because when you start making big projects in Python, you always come across performance issues. I think this training can help a lot.

What would you tell someone who is still in doubt whether to register to EuroPython or not?

EuroPython is going to be a unique experience. Python meetings are full of talented users and programmers, and the experience you can gain from this kind of meetings is invaluable. You should really consider registering and coming!