3 ms·
Another big issue to keep in mind when critiquing Python, as opposed to e.g. JavaScript or Ruby, is that Python is used for so much more besides webdev/etc. stu
by semi-extrinsic 10y ago
Another big issue to keep in mind when critiquing Python, as opposed to e.g. JavaScript or Ruby, is that Python is used for so much more besides webdev/etc. stuff. So making changes that improve life for webdevs could suddenly make life worse for people using Python in high energy physics, or in chemical engineering, or in AI research, or a large number of other fields that a webdev might not even know exists. Every supercomputer on the planet runs Python code, scientific Python usage is a really big field, with enough passionate users to hold multiple conferences every year; orders of magnitude more in casual users.
- bsg75 10y agoI would propose there are plenty of better solutions for webdev than Python, and that Pythons should remain focused on where it has been successful.
- bsg75 10y agoApparently people disagree with this sentiment. Allow me to expand on it: TL;DR - One language for all purposes is the wrong focus. - Python's success is largely due to things it has done well: Numeric and scientific computing (NumPy, SciPy), system administration scripting (yum, RHEL), workflow management (Luigi, Airflow, Snakemake). - The idea that one language can be used in all tiers leads to things like JavaScript. Does all things but none of them well. - PHP and Ruby are already strong in the webdev area, and there is little need for Python to compete here. Resources spent on making Python a top tier webdev language will always be a game of catch up, and distract from its strengths. - Yes Django is a thing, and should continue to evolve, but its unlikely to catch up to PHP.