Suitability of Python for a Big Application?

[Olaf Appelt]

I'm new to Python, so take this with some salt.

I like Python, but I don't think it's well suited for large projectes. Also
it lacks in the speed department.
Also, I believe that it's lack of type safety and access restrictions, which
is a bonus for small projects beccomes a liability in large,
multi-programmer projects.

Given your requirements I would go with Java + C++. Most work should be done
with Java, with a few speed critical modules done in C++ integrated via JNI

That way you get your portability, speed and flexiblity.

Also the skills of your development team should be considered. You didn't
mention whether everybody is experienced with Python, but given the tone of
your questions and general skill distribution, I guess that again going with
Java/C++ you'd be better off than with Python.

A possible alternative might also be Smalltalk (again for flexibility,
portability and speed), but again there's the problem with available
programmer skills. If your team has to learn Smalltalk first, it's not
realistic given the time frame.


Olaf