Advice needed

[Eddie Parker]

I think you hit a good point, Matt.

Python is a WICKED language for prototyping. I'm not saying that's ALL it's
good for, however it's a great way to start out.

Tuples, Dictionary's, easy to manipulate String functions, and code that
just makes sense (the tab-as-a-way-to-define-scope bit used to annoy me, but
in all honest, it's a "Good Thing" (TM)).

As for what Python can offer that the other languages can't, that's a
case-by-case comparison, and also has a dash of personal preference for
flavour.

Personally: I agree with Matt. But to add to it: vs. Perl and VB, I like
Python as it has a nicer syntax, cleaner looking code, and more "space" in
the code - i.e., you don't need to write so much to get a lot of
functionality out of it.

I find myself using Python as a way to figure out something, when I don't
know what the problem scope is. Sometimes, my work STAYS in Python, when I'm
done, but if it's performance critical, you can always use the concept to
write it in C/C++, or you can even use something like Python's ability to
embed in C/C++ to farm out the performance bottlenecks, or Jython, if you're
a Java person (never used Jython, just saying it's an option. :)).  

Anyhow - you can't go wrong with Python, in my opinion. But I'm rather
heavily biased.

I'm also always right, however. :) (Jus' kidding). :)

-e-

-----Original Message-----
From: python-list-bounces+eddie=kickingdragon.com at python.org
[mailto:python-list-bounces+eddie=kickingdragon.com at python.org] On Behalf Of
Matt Garman
Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2004 4:59 PM
To: python-list at python.org
Subject: Re: Advice needed

On 13 Nov 2004 07:54:57 -0800, Alberto <aaflores at gmail.com> wrote:
> I was trying to understand the reasons why I should learn Python.
> More like a pros/cons about this language. Currently, I use C,
> C/C++, Java, Perl, Visual VB and was looking to see the usefulness
> of Python.  Any suggestions?

As others have suggested, the best thing you can really do is spend
several hours with Google and some sample Python code and see how
you like it.

The reason I started getting into it is the following: I do most of
my programming in C/C++.  For me, the problem with those languages
is that it takes relatively more code to do many tasks compared to
Python.  So if I'm working on something that I haven't thought all
the way through, I find myself back-tracking from time to time.
This can be *very* time-consuming in C/C++ (the trial-and-error
method of programming).  However, things can be developed so quickly
in Python, that if you have to back-track, little time is lost.

In a nutshell, I like and use Python for creating quick
proof-of-concepts and as a development concepting tool.  Although,
most very high level languages (such as Perl and VB) are good for
this too---so we're back to personal preference :)

But also, for me, I enjoy learning new languages just for the sake
of learning them.  I think it's fun, and as another said, new
languages usually teach you how to think about problems in a
different way.  I've benefitted from this language "cross
pollination" many times---using another language's techniques and
paradigms has helped me come up with elegant solutions on more than
one occasion.

At the end of the day, it's personal preference... but if you can
spare the time, and enjoy learning and playing with new languages,
why not learn Python?

Matt

-- 
Matt Garman
email at: http://raw-sewage.net/index.php?file=email
-- 
http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list


---

Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.788 / Virus Database: 533 - Release Date: 11/1/2004
 

---

Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.788 / Virus Database: 533 - Release Date: 11/1/2004