PEPs

PEPs are *Python Enhancement Proposals*. They are define change to Python itself, or the standards around it.

There are three different types of PEPs (as defined by `PEP1 <http://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0001/>`_):

**Standards**

Describes a new feature or implementation.

**Informational**

Describes a design issue, general guidelines, or information to the community.

**Process**

Describes a process related to Python.

There are a few PEPs that could be considered required reading:

- `PEP8 <http://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0008/>`_: The Python Style Guide.

- `PEP20 <http://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0020/>`_: The Zen of Python. A list of 19 statements that briefly explain the philosophy behind Python.

- `PEP257 <http://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0257/>`_: Docstring Conventions. Gives guidelines for semantics and conventions associated with Python docstrings.

PEPs are peer-reviewed and accepted/rejected after much discussion. Anyone can write and submit a PEP for review.

.. image:: http://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0001/pep-0001-1.png