Why is Python popular, while Lisp and Scheme aren't?

[Fernando Pérez]

Eddie Corns wrote:

>>I don't know much about Python, but I looked at this comparison
>>between Python and Common Lisp (
>>http://www.norvig.com/python-lisp.html ), and I couldn't help but
>>wonder why Python is popular, while Common Lisp and Scheme aren't?
> 
> My opinion (the short version anyway) is that because Python is a lot easier
> to learn and use.  It's a bit like the difference between a point and click
> camera and a 'real' one - to use a 'real' camera for even a simple photo you
> need to understand the whole biz.  However, unlike some languages I won't
> mention, Python does its best to give the max. power (of Scheme,Haskell
> etc.) for the max. ease of use.

Flawed analogy, I think. 

I'd rather say: python is like a modern SLR with full auto modes: you can use 
it like a point'n'shoot, but still get very good results and the benefit of 
good lenses and a sophisticated exposure system. But once you move the dial 
to the 'manual' zone (P,Tv,Av,M for the photo-buffs) you are on your own, 
with as much control as you want (from simple adjustments in P to full manual 
in M).

So in python the beginner feels comfortable, but he can grow into 
sophisticated things without the tool _ever_ getting in his way. That's why 
the point'n'shoot analogy is bad: in that case, the tool gets in your way and 
limits what you can do. 

If you want, Pascal is the point'n'shoot of programming languages: easy for 
beginners, utterly useless for serious work (yes, I wrote tons of pascal back 
in the day,  so I know what I'm talking about).

Lisp feels more like a viewcamera. You can't get _anything_ done unless you 
understand the fundamentals very well. But if you do, there are some very 
fancy things you can do.

Cheers,

f.