Is python really slow?

[David LeBlanc]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: python-list-admin at python.org
> [mailto:python-list-admin at python.org]On Behalf Of Chris
> Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2002 17:54
> To: python-list at python.org
> Subject: Is python really slow?
>
>
> I spend a fair amount of time on perl newsgroups, having the need to use
> perl for various parts of my job. I am now learning Python. I am a bit
> disheartened at how common it seems to code only some of a program in
> Python and use C for other parts, and how much discussion here involves
> using C for X and Y. I don't have time to learn another language. I don't
> see nearly as much discussion about doing this in the Perl newgroups.
> Should I just be learning C instead? Is this just because of the
> different
> applications python is being put to use for or because Python programmers
> are more "multi-lingual" or is Python really so slow that one needs to go
> to C on a more regular basis?
>
> This is NOT flamebait... it just has me concerned that by deciding on
> Python (after becoming semi-proficient in PHP and Perl) I might
> be making a
> mistake.
> --
> http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list

I think you're seeing a lot of people discussing development of python
extensions more then that actual Python app development per se. I doubt that
most people create extensions on an on-going basis, but on this mailing list
and newsgroup extension development gets highlighted somewhat.

I just turned an associate on to Python and he's so happy with the speed
compared to Java, he's converting old programs from Java to Python for his
customers. He ranted for some time about the increase in speed and huge
reductions in coding effort and size too.

I think most scripters are more multi-lingual then their compiled language
peers. You yourself are adding Python to your Perl background :-)

David LeBlanc
Seattle, WA USA