Enter Python

If this book has achieved its goals, you should by now have a good understanding of why Python has been called a "next-generation scripting language." Compared with similar tools, it has some critical distinctions that we e finally in a position to summarize:

Tcl

Like Tcl, Python can be used as an embedded extension language. Unlike Tcl, Python is also a full-featured programming language. For many, Pythons data structure tools and support for programming-in-the-large make it useful in more domains. Tcl demonstrated the utility of integrating interpreted languages with C modules. Python provides similar functionality plus a powerful, object-oriented language; its not just a command string processor.

Perl

Like Perl, Python can be used for writing shell tools, making it easy to use system services. Unlike Perl, Python has a simple, readable syntax and a remarkably coherent design. For some, this makes Python easier to use and a better choice for programs that must be reused or maintained by others. Without question, Perl is a powerful system administration tool. But once we move beyond processing text and files, Pythons features become attractive.

Scheme/Lisp

Like Scheme (and Lisp), Python supports dynamic typing, incremental development, and metaprogramming; it exposes the interpreters state and supports runtime program construction. Unlike Lisp, Python has a procedural syntax that is familiar to users of mainstream languages such as C and Pascal. If extensions are to be coded by end users, this can be a major advantage.

Smalltalk

Like Smalltalk, Python supports object-oriented programming (OOP) in the context of a highly dynamic language. Unlike Smalltalk, Python doesn extend the object system to include fundamental program control flow constructs. Users need not come to grips with the concept of if statements as message-receiving objects to use Python -- Python is more conventional.

Icon

Like Icon, Python supports a variety of high-level datatypes and operations such as lists, dictionaries, and slicing. Unlike Icon, Python is fundamentally simple. Programmers (and end users) don need to master esoteric concepts such as backtracking just to get started.

BASIC

Like modern structured BASIC dialects, Python has an interpretive/interactive nature. Unlike most BASICs, Python includes standard support for advanced programming features such as classes, modules, exceptions, high-level datatypes, and general C integration.

All of these languages (and others) have merit and unique strengths of their own -- in fact, Python borrowed most of its features from languages such as these. Its not Pythons goal to replace every other language; different tasks require different tools, and mixed-language development is one of Pythons main ideas. But Pythons blend of advanced programming constructs and integration tools make it a natural choice for the problem domains weve talked about in this book.