Why use Python instead of Perl?

[laotseu]

walterbyrd wrote:
> I am learning some perl, I don't know any python. I think perl is a
> butt-ugly language,
Yes

> 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?
Yes


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


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


> 6) For what is python best suited? 
Programming !-)

We'll, almost anything except perhaps kernel hacking and drivers...

> 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.
Except for the 4th point, Python does it all, and is much more readable 
than Perl (IMHO).
And, also, coding in Python is fun (also IMHO).

Given your background, you should be productive in Python within a week.

Laotsseu