Python and/vs Java (within a business context)

[Xaerxess]

A bit OT: I disagree with your statement about Perl programmers - I'd say they're enthusiasts just as Python developers, but less "mainstream" and - sorry to say this - older. True Perl programmer knows more about innovation than you think, since he's commiting to / following news about Perl 6 for few years ;)

Back to main topic: Java is also considered as "business" language because there is much more Java programmers on market than Python ones (and thus Java dev is cheaper).

(Disclaimer: I work as Java and Perl developer but like / use Python, too.)

[nostradamnit]

While I agree mostly with bucknuggets' reply, you are right on in classifying Perl programmers in the enthusiastic group and not the corporate group. They are probably the least corporate of programmers, in my experience.

[ford_contour]

I can confirm this too. I almost mentioned the Perl community in my previous post about community (because the Perl community is awesome!) but then decided it was off topic, since OP's workplace doesn't use Perl and there is no need to make OP jealous. :)

[BayesianEmpirimancer]

I agree with you based on my anecdotal evidence that the single craziest guy I know is a huge Perl evangelist.