[Tutor] Viability of Python

[Emile van Sebille]

On 7/21/2011 1:49 PM Ryan Strunk said...
> Hello everyone,
> I have been reading a lot of different articles recently, and I have
> found a divergence of opinions on the viability of Python as a viable
> language for high-end programs. At the same time, even sites that
> recommend Python seem to recommend it as a good first language.
> This email is not written to stir up controversy. I am a fan of Python
> myself and use it for all of my programming. But therein lies the crux
> of my question. If Python has limitations, what are they?

Programming is a big field.  If so far you've used python for all your 
programming, then it's good enough for you so far.  If you need real 
time responsiveness, want to write OSs or device drivers, or inherit a 
legacy environment it's probably not the right tool.  But everyone who 
programs will have a different take on this.  I use it unless there's a 
better answer I can deploy quicker.

> What sorts
> of things is Python useful for and what things is it not? And finally,
> if there is code after Python, what’s a good second language, and when
> should someone start learning it?

I'd say C, and I'd start by browsing the python code base.


Emile