[C++-sig] Why Python for C++ programmers

[Stefan Franke]

My favourite, albeit often quoted point is this:

Python's runtime polymorphism along with its built-in powerful
data types make it an ideal rapid development language. 

Its dynamic, nonetheless strict typing consumes much less
brain cycles during prototypical development which are better
spend on developing better algorithms and overall architecture.

C++ OTOH is a typical "big design first" language because things
are much harder to change afterwards.

C++ excessive static typing enables you to implement data structures
with optimal performance generically. However, its polymorphism is 
limited to compile time type information, which makes it often hard
to implement an extensible, self-reflecting framework and top level 
logic for your programs.

This is where a combination of both can truly excel.



> -----Original Message-----
> From: c++-sig-admin at python.org [mailto:c++-sig-admin at python.org]On
> Behalf Of David Abrahams
> Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2002 9:37 PM
> To: pysig
> Cc: Andy Koenig
> Subject: [C++-sig] Why Python for C++ programmers
> 
> 
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> I'm starting work on some articles and talks about Boost.Python. Some
> of these are primarily for a "C++ audience", and I'll have to at least
> briefly make the case for why a C++ programmer should care about
> Python. Some of the answers are obvious to me, but I thought I should
> get additional feedback from a group who must have their own
> well-thought-out reasons.
> 
> Here are some things I've thought of. 
> 
> In broad strokes, they're complimentary because:
> 
> * C++ is hard. Python is easy
> 
> * C++ is fast. Python is small
> 
> * C++ is "dangerous" (easy to crash). Python is "safe"
> 
> * C++ is rigorous. Python is loose.
> 
> * C++ is compiled. Python is interactive.
> 
> * C++ has a deep and focused standard library. Python has broad
>   libraries
> 
> * C++ has limited introspection capability. Everything in Python is
>   introspectable
> 
> * C++ is supported to varying degrees on different platforms. The
>   latest Python really does run ``everywhere''.
> 
> Other thoughts?
> 
> -- 
>                        David Abrahams
>    dave at boost-consulting.com * http://www.boost-consulting.com
> Boost support, enhancements, training, and commercial distribution
> 
> 
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