merits of Lisp vs Python

[Paul Rubin]

Greg Menke <gregm-xyzpdq3 at toadmail.com> writes:
re: comparison of
> >   a[i] = b[n]  
with
> >   (setf (aref a i) (aref b n))
> 
> Not really.  The syntax of getting and setting array elements isn't
> really the point.  It ignores the cognitive efficiency of Lisp when
> things get more complex, and likewise whatever similar characteristics
> that Python offers. 

Well, there's some similar way to look up elements in a Lisp
hashtable, but I've forgotten the keyword for it (oops, cognitive
inefficiency, having to remember separately.)  Python uses the same
syntax for both.

Yeah it's probably true that very complex applications are easier to
develop in Lisp.  For small and medium ones, I really do find Python
more pleasant, and I'm speaking as someone for whom the discovery of
Lisp was once an unbelievably powerful epiphany.