Why is Python popular, while Lisp and Scheme aren't?

[Kenny Tilton]

Alex Martelli wrote:
> Dylan has macros too.  

yeah, but not quite like CL. But I am out of my depth. The gang on 
c.l.l. would have better answers.

One thing I can tell you is that I /love/ during the rather prosaic task 
of editing being able to instantly select a sexpr small or large, and as 
one can imagine this tends to come up a lot because sexprs naturally 
form integrated wadges of semantics.

> So isn't "major source" at least an overbid, if "I'm 
> not far off" in stating that a language with a totally different syntax
> can "capture much" of the same capabilities?

I was being nice! No, seriously, Dylan has GC, GFs, MI, macros to a 
degree, static but optional typing -- but no unhygienic macros which can 
actually be cool, and... I cannot speak for the author of "major 
source", I wager it comes down to: the list of things one cannot do 
without sexprs may be short, but they are vital to the spirit of CL. 
Again, tho, Major Source should speak for themself. :)

-- 

  kenny tilton
  clinisys, inc
  ---------------------------------------------------------------
""Well, I've wrestled with reality for thirty-five years, Doctor,
   and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it.""
                                                   Elwood P. Dowd