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

[George Demmy]

Fernando Pérez <fperez528 at yahoo.com> writes:

> Eddie Corns wrote:
> > 
> > My opinion (the short version anyway) is that because Python is a
> > lot easier to learn and use.  It's a bit like the difference
> > between a point and click camera and a 'real' one - to use a
> > 'real' camera for even a simple photo you need to understand the
> > whole biz.  However, unlike some languages I won't mention, Python
> > does its best to give the max. power (of Scheme,Haskell etc.) for
> > the max. ease of use.
> 
> Flawed analogy, I think. 
> 
> I'd rather say: python is like a modern SLR with full auto modes:
> you can use it like a point'n'shoot, but still get very good results
> and the benefit of good lenses and a sophisticated exposure
> system. But once you move the dial to the 'manual' zone (P,Tv,Av,M
> for the photo-buffs) you are on your own, with as much control as
> you want (from simple adjustments in P to full manual in M).
> 
> So in python the beginner feels comfortable, but he can grow into
> sophisticated things without the tool _ever_ getting in his
> way. That's why the point'n'shoot analogy is bad: in that case, the
> tool gets in your way and limits what you can do.
> 
> If you want, Pascal is the point'n'shoot of programming languages:
> easy for beginners, utterly useless for serious work (yes, I wrote
> tons of pascal back in the day, so I know what I'm talking about).
> 
> Lisp feels more like a viewcamera. You can't get _anything_ done
> unless you understand the fundamentals very well. But if you do,
> there are some very fancy things you can do.

Close... 

Common Lisp is to Python as the Nikon factory is to the D1* ;)

This is lighthearted introspection... not a troll! I use the D1/Python
*much* more often than do I *make* cameras and build systems on top of
CL...

Regards

* D1 is one of Nikon's nifty digital SLRs.
-- 
George Demmy