Why use Python instead of Perl?

[Mark McEahern]

[walterbyrd]
> I am learning some perl, I don't know any python. I think perl is a
> butt-ugly language, but perl does seem to be functional. Can anybody
> answer a few questions about python for me?
>
> 1) Is python good for system administration tasks?

Yes.

> 2) Is python good for web development?

Yes.

> 3) Does python interact well with MySQL?

I have no idea.  Fwiw, it works with PostgreSQL quite nicely via pypgsql
(http://pypgsql.sf.net/).

> 4) Do many web-hosts allow scripts to be written in python? Tons of
> dirt-cheap web-hosts have perl scripting, what about python?

There are some, probably not many.

> 5) If I know perl, is there any reason to learn python?

To feel joy instead of pain and agony?

> 6) For what is python best suited?

Readability.  See 5.

> I have programmed in over a dozen languages. I am reluctant to learn
> more. I have been learning perl, because it seems to be the only
> language that does all that stuff I have mentioned in my questions.

Cheers,

// m

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