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<preface id="preface">

<title>Preface</title>

<para><ulink url="http://springpython.webfactional.com">Spring Python</ulink>

is an extension of the Java-based Spring Framework and

Spring Security Framework, targeted for Python. It is not a straight port,

but instead an extension of the same concepts that need solutions applied

in <ulink url="http://python.org">Python</ulink>.</para>

<para>This document provides a reference guide to Spring's features. Since

this document is still to be considered very much work-in-progress, if you

have any requests or comments, please post them on the <ulink

url="http://lists.springsource.com/listmanager/listinfo/springpython-users">user mailing list</ulink>

or on the <ulink

url="http://forum.springframework.org/forumdisplay.php?f=45">Spring Python

support forums</ulink>.</para>

<note>

<title>What we mean by "Spring Java"</title>

<para>Throughout this documentation, the term <emphasis>Spring Java</emphasis> is used on

occasion as shorthand for <emphasis>The Spring Framework</emphasis>, referring to the original,

java-based framework.</para>

</note>

<para>Before we go on, a few words of gratitude are due to the SpringSource

team for putting together a framework for writing this reference documentation.</para>

</preface>