Python Productivity over C++

[Steve Mullarkey]

I have been a 'C' programmer for the past 15 years and a "C++"
programmer for the past 3 years. I'm not a genius but would modestly (?)
class myself as reasonably competent.

In the past week I have become aware of Python. I've bought a book and
read this newsgroup every day.

I have read in several places productivity claims of 5 to 10 times over
'C' and "C++". I would like to ask for some feedback from "C++"
programmers who have moved to Python as to whether these estimates are
realistic.

In "C++" I have :-

1. Good tools, Borland C++ Builder, MS VC++, Memory Leak Tools,
Profilers, Programmers Editor including Class Browser, etc..

2. I use the STL (Standard Template Library) which gives powerful string
and container classes.

3. I use incremental compiling and linking. This reduces wait times to
very small amounts.

4. I can also use background compiling and linking.

5. I have 3rd party libraries to handle Regular Expressions, Date/Time,
etc..

I don't want to start a flame war but, given the above, I just can't see
where the productivity increase is generated. I am genuinely interested
to ask "C++" programmers :-

1. What productivity increase do you achieve ?

2. How long did you use Python before you achieved increased
productivity ?


Best regards,

Steve Mullarkey. 
Tascom Pty Ltd.
Berry, NSW 2535, Australia.
Tel : (61)-(2)-4464-3328