Basic Python Questions - Oct. 31, 2013

[E.D.G.]

Posted by E.D.G. on October 31, 2013

       The following are several relatively basic questions regarding Python's 
capabilities.  I am not presently using it myself.  At the moment a number 
of people including myself are comparing it with other programs such as 
XBasic for possible use.

1.  How fast can Python do math calculations compared with other languages 
such as Fortran and fast versions of Basic.  I would have to believe that it 
is much faster than Perl for doing math calculations.

2.  Can Python be used to create CGI programs?  These are the ones that run 
on Internet server computers and process data submitted through Web site 
data entry screens etc.  I know that Perl CGI programs will do that.

3.  If Python can be used for CGI programming, can it draw charts such as 
.png files that will then display on Web pages at a Web site?

4.  How well does Python work for interactive programming.  For example, if 
a Python program is running on a PC and is drawing a chart, can that chart 
be modified by simply pressing a key while the Python program is running.  I 
have Perl and Gnuplot program combinations that can do that.  Their 
interactive speed is not that great.  But it is adequate for my own uses.

5.  Can a running Python program send information to the Windows operating 
system as if it were typed in from the keyboard?  Perl can do that and I 
would imagine that Python probably has that same capability.