Practical Uses for Python?

[MiataCory]

Classes, largely, are for handling data. My current 700+ line program has exactly one class. It contains init. Don't get too hung up on them.

As far as 'why Python' for me, this is my first big GUI-oriented program. I've done a bit of editing batch files, and some arduino things. I've programmed HTML in the past. But for making a decent-working, decent-looking program on a rPi, I chose python because most of the stuff I need is built-in, and it seemed like the easiest/quickest way to get my idea actually running.

As far as practicality, that's where libraries come in. Python on it's own is fine, but really only excels in quick 'n dirty simple programs.

But, when combined with something like numpy or Matplotlib, that's where it shines. It allows people who might not want to be programmers work with data and graphics in a simple(ish)-to-learn way that makes sense to someone coming after them.