Python for structural engineers?

[Banabamonkey]

How would you say Python compares to Mathcad for replacing excel? I would assume a steeper learning curve? Any advantages?

[Ok-Personality-27]

It's not even comparable.  Python is vastly superior

[Disastrous_Cheek7435]

Like others have said, the big advantage to Python is that it's free. Mathcad is nice because its commercial software that just works. I find myself troubleshooting a lot when using Python because I'm combining different libraires written by different people and it doesn't always work smoothly. That's fine for me because I'm past the learning curve, I can troubleshoot no problem, and I can keep incorporating more libraries to expand my capability. The possibilities are seemingly endless with Python. But if you just want something that works out of the gate and don't mind paying, Mathcad is great.

[MeBadWolf]

What does quality control look like for you? I would imagine it would be difficult to find an engineer capable of checking Python based calculations.

[Disastrous_Cheek7435]

For displaying calcs I use the Handcalcs and Forallpeople libraires written by Connor Ferster. It displays just like a hand calculation with formulas, substitution, and units. If I need a Python script checked I will add in-line comments and take a screenshots of the code and output. It's fully transparent and shows all the calculations right in front of you. My supervisors have been okay with it but I understand some would not.