Is Python overhyped (just like Java)?

[David Abrahams]

"Ajay na" <ajay_637 at hotmail.com> writes:

> Can some-one please explain why one would want to use Python? What is
> wrong with C++?
>
> In my opinion, the problem with C++ has nothing to with the language
> semantics.  The problem is that when people are confronted with a
> powerful language like C++, they tend to want to optimize everything
> to death.  That's when they get themselves in trouble.

As a big fan of C++ and an acknowledged expert, I can tell you there
are lots of other reasons to want to use Python: simple language
rules, literal expressions for high-level objects, lambda, broad
standard library, no waiting for compilation, keyword arguments, full
introspection, and automatic serialization are just a few that come to
mind.

> Those who use Python know they are sacrificing a lot in terms of
> memory and speed.  But if they took the same attitude toward C++, they
> can actually get a lot of flexibility, code reuse, simplicity, and all
> the other benefits of OO programming at over half the cost of using
> Python!  The problem is that people who don't understand C++, are
> afraid to use the 'virtual' features of that language because it's
> too expensive'.  But that's stupid...because Python's 'virtualness' is
> even more expensive!
>
> Nope...I'm not trolling...I want someone to give a solid and
> intelligent argument about why I should switch from C++ to Python!

Don't switch; just recognize and exploit the strengths of each.
Python and C++ are complementary languages which have much to
contribute to one another.  See "Building Hybrid Systems With
Boost.Python" at
http://www.boost.org/libs/python/doc/PyConDC_2003/bpl.html

(or http://www.boost.org/libs/python/doc/PyConDC_2003/bpl.pdf for the
PDF).

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
www.boost-consulting.com