Python vs. Lisp -- please explain

[Paul Boddie]

Torsten Bronger wrote:
>
> By the way, this is my main concern about optional static typing: It
> may change the target group, i.e. it may move Python closer to those
> applications where speed really matters, which again would have an
> effect on what will be considered Pythonic.

Yes, I think that with optional static typing, it's quite likely that
we would see lots of unnecessary declarations and less reusable code
("ints everywhere, everyone!"), so I think the point about not
providing people with certain features is a very interesting one, since
people have had to make additional and not insignificant effort to
optimise for speed. One potential benefit is that should better tools
than optional static typing be considered and evaluated, the "ints
everywhere!" line of thinking could prove to be something of a dead end
in all but the most specialised applications. Consequently, the Python
platform could end up better off, providing superior tools for
optimising performance whilst not compromising the feel of the language
and environment.

Paul