24.5. 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're 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, Python's 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; it's 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, Python's features become attractive.
Scheme/Lisp Like Scheme (and Lisp), Python supports dynamic typing, incremental development, and metaprogramming; it exposes the interpreter's 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't 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 PythonPython 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't 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. And unlike Visual Basic, Python provides a cross-platform solution, which is not controlled by a commercially vested company.
Java Like Java, Python is a general-purpose language, supports OOP, exceptions, and modular design, and compiles to a portable bytecode format. Unlike Java, Python's simple syntax and built-in datatypes make development much more rapid. Python programs are typically one-third to one-fifth the size of the equivalent Java program.
C/C++ Like C and C++, Python is a general-purpose language and can be used for long-term strategic system development tasks. Unlike compiled languages in general, Python also works well in tactical mode, as a rapid development language. Python programs are smaller, simpler, and more flexible than those written in compiled languages. For instance, because Python code does not constrain datatypes or sizes, it both is more concise and can be applied in a broader range of contexts. (For more on this comparison, see the sidebar "Why Not Just Use C or C++?" in Chapter 1.) All of these languages (and others) have merit and unique strengths of their ownin fact, Python borrowed most of its features from languages such as these. It's not Python's goal to replace every other language; different tasks require different tools, and mixed-language development is one of Python's main ideas. But Python's blend of advanced programming constructs and integration tools make it a natural choice for the problem domains we've talked about in this book, and many more. |
