[thelist] Anyone using Python?

[Johnathon Tinsley]

----- "Jason Handby" <jason.handby at corestar.co.uk> wrote:
> > Just wondering if anyone is using Python? I've been using PHP 
> > for a few years and am looking at learning another language 
> > in depth as a type of side project.
> > 
> > My goal is to get into more OOP and break some of the 
> > procedural coding habits I've fallen into (even though 
> > cakePHP has been a great help getting me into MVC 
> > development). Python looks good at a cursory glance.
> > 
> > My options so far are Python, Ruby or Java, but I'm not 
> > overly keen on Java's "everything to everybody" approach 
> > (speaking from plenty of ignorance, so feel free to correct me).
> > 
> > Please don't turn this into a language holy war, I'm just 
> > looking for community comment from people who are actively 
> > using these languages.
> > 
> > Heck, dive in if you're a .NET or CF person too - I'm open to 
> > persuasion ;)
> 
> I'd suggest you start by looking at what kinds of project you want to
> undertake, and then figure out what language will get you there.
> 
> I think C# or Java would be excellent languages for you, if you're
> interested in OOP, more complex programming projects, and generally
> stretching yourself in a potentially lucrative direction. Personally,
> I
> use C# / .NET just about all the time these days, and am very happy
> with
> the language, its features, and what it allows me to do. You might
> want
> to give Java serious consideration if you're more concerned about
> platform agnosticism than I currently am.
> 
> Python... well, I'm inherently suspicious of any language that claims
> to
> champion the importance of programmer effort, and yet can go through
> years of development and use before someone decides that static
> scoping might be a nice idea :-)
> 
> 

I use python all the time, all our websites are built with it (Zope / Plone CMS). In my experience, it is a lot easier to use than PHP, but does has its fair share of idiosyncrasies some of which I like very much. (Forced indenting: indenting is how you do if / for / while / function defs in python)

Python has an advantage, in that it is very extensible with the "import" command, you can find lots of extra modules that come with python, along with plenty being downloadable. (Need Linux shell access? "import os" and then use the tools provided.)

HTH, Johnathon



-- 
Johnathon Tinsley, Encryptec Limited
Tel: 0845 25 77033, FWD: 753977
Email: jtinsley at encryptec.net, MSN: jtinsley at encryptec.net 

Statements made are at all times subject to Encryptec's 
Terms and Conditions of Business, which are available upon request.