Many compilers (gcc and mxmlc come to mind) simply warn you if you try to do "if (somevar = 5)" and suggest an extra set of parenthesis to shut up the warning,

Many compilers (gcc and mxmlc come to mind) simply warn you if you try to do "if (somevar = 5)" and suggest an extra set of parenthesis to shut up the warning, if that's really what you wanted. Python throws a syntax error.