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

[Jacek Generowicz]

Carl Banks <imbosol at vt.edu> writes:

> You can say, "I won't use the advanced stuff that requires me to
> think like a machine,"

Indeed you can.

> but then Lisp is pointless, because then it's nothing but a hard to
> read, complicated, and faster Python.

I beg to differ.

You *can* use Lisp as a Python-with-s-expressions. Once you get over
the parentheses (let's not argue whether one can get over them or
not), it really is very simple, if you stick to the simple things.

For the more adventurous, all of Lisp's power is also available.