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To me, the biggest fundamental difference between Ruby and Python seems to be that: In Python methods are implemented via callable attributes (it's dicts all t

by antod 5y ago

To me, the biggest fundamental difference between Ruby and Python seems to be that: In Python methods are implemented via callable attributes (it's dicts all the way down) In Ruby attributes are implemented via methods (it's messages all the way down) I've been working professionally in Ruby for 5+ years, but non-professionally using/dabbling Python for 15 before that. Personally I still find Python more intuitive though even if I haven't used it for ages - it just fits my brain more automatically and quicker. Ruby is nice overall (ie the smalltalk inspired bits), but the more Perl inspired bits irk me, and parts of the Ruby community can produce some insane library/framework code trying to make interfaces as "elegant" as possible.

toxik 5y ago
As an almost exclusive Python programmer, I’ve often looked at Ruby’s block syntax with jealous eyes. It would be so nice. But I wonder if that’s maybe the exact thing that I also like about Python: the language is pretty damn simple in its essence. You want to minimize cleverness wherever possible, and that idea is firmly planted in the community. Ruby has this sense that Ruby is almost a meta language, you create cool “DSLs” in it to accomplish your goal. That makes it harder to fit into the brain also.
- burlesona 5y ago
  For what it’s worth, the language itself is extremely simple and composable, which is what makes it possible for people to use it as a kind of metalanguage. That was really popular in Rails gems around the time that Rails itself peaked in popularity, but has since died off considerably. It was never especially common outside of Rails gems. There aren’t that many things that call for DSLs.
  - vidarh 5y ago
    DSLs remain very common in Ruby, but Rails taught us to avoid littering. DSLs now tend to be intentionally very tightly scoped. E.g. Rouge, the Ruby equivalent to the Pygments syntax highlighter, defines DSLs to define lexers and themes. The do so in terms of methods on a meta-class so that the DSLs are confined to the definition of a lexer or theme class inheriting from the right classes, so there's a single place to look at the definitions, and their use don't leak all over the place.
- chillfox 5y ago
  I think that really comes down to how your brain works or the way you think about logic. For me Ruby is a lot easier to wrap my head around and understand than Python is.

by antod 5y ago

toxik 5y ago

As an almost exclusive Python programmer, I’ve often looked at Ruby’s block syntax with jealous eyes. It would be so nice. But I wonder if that’s maybe the exact thing that I also like about Python: the language is pretty damn simple in its essence. You want to minimize cleverness wherever possible, and that idea is firmly planted in the community. Ruby has this sense that Ruby is almost a meta language, you create cool “DSLs” in it to accomplish your goal. That makes it harder to fit into the brain also.

burlesona 5y ago
For what it’s worth, the language itself is extremely simple and composable, which is what makes it possible for people to use it as a kind of metalanguage. That was really popular in Rails gems around the time that Rails itself peaked in popularity, but has since died off considerably. It was never especially common outside of Rails gems. There aren’t that many things that call for DSLs.
- vidarh 5y ago
  DSLs remain very common in Ruby, but Rails taught us to avoid littering. DSLs now tend to be intentionally very tightly scoped. E.g. Rouge, the Ruby equivalent to the Pygments syntax highlighter, defines DSLs to define lexers and themes. The do so in terms of methods on a meta-class so that the DSLs are confined to the definition of a lexer or theme class inheriting from the right classes, so there's a single place to look at the definitions, and their use don't leak all over the place.
chillfox 5y ago
I think that really comes down to how your brain works or the way you think about logic. For me Ruby is a lot easier to wrap my head around and understand than Python is.