New user's initial thoughts / criticisms of Python

[Mark Lawrence]

On 09/11/2013 13:08, John von Horn wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I'm Mr. Noobie here, I've just started easing into Python (2.7.4) and am
> enjoying working along to some youtube tutorials. I've done a little
> programming in the past.

If it's possible I'd strongly recommend Python 3.3, there's lots of 
goodies in there like vastly improved unicode handling.

>
> I've just got a few thoughts I'd like to share and ask about:
>
> * Why not allow floater=float(int1/int2) - rather than floater=float
> (int1)/float(int2)?

Surely this depends on the outcome that you actually want or am I 
missing the obvious?  Also note that integer division has been changed 
in Python 3.

>
> Give me a float (or an error message) from evaluating everything in the
> brackets. Don't make me explicitly convert everything myself (unless I
> want to)

You usually have to in Python, it's down to strong typing.

>
> * No sign of a select .. case statement

Loads of recipes online for this, ranging from specialised classes to my 
favourite which is spelt "dict".

>
> Another useful tool in the programmer's toolbox
>
> Select DayofWeek
>
> 	case "mon"
>
> 	...
>
> end select
>
> * Call me pedantic by why do we need a trailing comma for a list of one
> item? Keep it intuitive and allow lstShopping=[] or ["Bread"] or
> ["Bread", "Milk","Hot Chocolate"] I don't like ["Bread",]. It bugs me.

It should as it's not needed.  I'd guess you're confusing a tuple of one 
item with a list of one item?

>
> Just some initial thoughts. I just wanted to know the reasoning behind
> the above, be shown the shortcomings of my ignorance, pointed in the
> right direction. Let the High Priests of Python come forth and speak wise
> words and show me the ignorance of thy ways. Let my cup be filled to
> overflowing with your kind knowledge and wisdom.

Try "import this" from the Python interactive prompt for the Zen of Python.

>
> Is everyone happy with the way things are?

Yes thank you.

> Could anyone recommend a good,
> high level language for CGI work?

I can't comment as to whether or not Python is suitable for CGI work, 
I'll leave that to the experts.

> Not sure if I'm going to be happy with
> Perl (ahhh, get him, he's mentioned Perl and is a heretic!) or Python. I
> would very much value any constructive criticism or insights.

Fair enough, Python isn't for everybody.  I love it simply because it 
suits my mind set, hence I have www.python.org bookmarked as "Home Sweet 
Home".  I therefore believe it's safe to say that others hate it as it 
doesn't suit their mind sets.

>
> And a "thank you", ["sirs","madams"] but pls, not just ["sirs",]

Reread what I wrote above :)

>
> JvH
>

And check out my signature!!!

-- 
Python is the second best programming language in the world.
But the best has yet to be invented.  Christian Tismer

Mark Lawrence