programming toolbox

[Peter Anderson]

Bill Purcell said:
"... I was wondering what more experienced programmers think about what 
languages are necessary to be able to handle most programming problems. ..."

Bill,

I have a similar length of experience with python to you. I look at 
other languages from time to time but the only two I think are worth the 
effort are:

* PHP - because I do a bit od WordPress website work for some 
not-for-profits; and
* Java - because I don't know why but having done C and some mainframe 
based languages (Natural and COBOL) when I worked the portability of 
Java (and PHP and Python) appeal to me.

Java is a "that look's interesting" propositioned while I am learning PHP.

If I were programming for a living and working on my own I would look 
very seriously at X-Base languages (dBase is still available) as they 
are quite good for small business type projects - quick to code and 
(more importantly) maintain, easy to produce screens and part of the 
underlying data storage system - not fashionable but very productive.

Biggest issue I have with Python is screen input and output. I am trying 
to master wxPython (and Tkinter) but find this aspect harder than it 
ought to be.

While I'm rambling on; I recently purchased "Python Programming: An 
introduction to Computer Science" by John Zelle (ISBN: 1-887902-99-6) a 
really good book, best Python text I have read.

Regards,
Peter
-- 
*Peter Anderson*
There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to 
conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the 
introduction of a new order of things—Niccolo Machiavelli, /The Prince/, 
ch. 6