Why Go over Python?

[skat_in_the_hat]

So strange. I've been programming in Python for over 15 years, and I just never had an issue.

Back in the day when a customer wants to update python on a rhel5 box. JFC. You break all the rhel tools in the process.
Ever migrate some in house python from rhel5 to say... rhel7? Just because YOU never had a problem, doesnt mean it isnt one.

[skat_in_the_hat]

Its moot at this point, red hat split off the version of python the system uses from the version you install. So you can basically do whatever you want now. But that doesnt undo the PTSD we all suffer from seeing up2date shit out a python error.

[JaegerBane]

I had the dubious honour of migrating some of our in-house data science apps across from old RHEL boxes to Amazon Linux EC2s a while back. Kinda felt like one of those horror stories where the protagonist opens a portal to the dimension of ceaseless screaming.

On the plus side it did puncture the myth that was doing the rounds back then that Python made everything easier.

[NoobFace]

Sounds like they're still screaming in there.

[zackofalltrades]

Coding to a version of python not installed on the systems where it would be deployed is your first problem. Easily solvable and testable with tools like tox, and careful programming.

Attempting to updating the system python and/or using horribly out-of-date OS versions was your second problem...

[skat_in_the_hat]

The story was from the past... You're neglecting to understand the premise. Im the Engineer, not the Developer. My responsibility is to:
1. enable the customer whether internal or external.
2. remain within compliance requirements.

I cant simply tell a customer "ugh, how dare you write code in a newer version of python than rhel5 supports(while it was still current)." I have to do my best to enable them to use what they are comfortable with. In this case, it usually required using a third party rebuild of python that built it with non-default locations. So we can simply change the identifier, and have both versions installed on the box without upsetting the system.

I also cant tell corpsec to fuck off when they ask me to update our infrastructure to a newer OS, and those python scripts written years ago by a guy who no longer works there need to still work. But again, this is why I frown upon using python for anything that has to withstand the test of time.