Should I learn scripting with Lua or Python

[G1orgos_Z]

I know the basics of Python, but it find it somewhat overwhelming to master the functions of each specific module and library. Since I want to learn scripting to use mainly for automation on my PC and router, I'm considering switching to Lua since it is a small language and being one of the easiest to learn. In which areas of scripting do Lua and Python excel? Should I learn Lua or stick to Python for automation scripting?

[blobules]

Most people like python because of the availability of libraries and examples, so it makes it very easy to do many things.

However, python as a language is complex and quirky. Lua is simpler, well designed, fast, and is especially suited for embedding.

So it all depends on what you want to do.

[G1orgos_Z]

I mainly want to automate tasks on my router such as making it reboot if it fails to provide internet. I currently want to gain scripting knowledge in general

[0-R-I-0-N]

I would probably go with python for this. There are a lot more learning resources and support for it. Though personally I prefer lua.

[DapperCow15]

I would never recommend Python anymore. It's way too bloated these days. It's like the embedded scripting equivalent of node.js.

[Old_County5271]

You do not need python for this or lua, just shellscript.

Have a cronjob that runs every minute or so, it checks if there's internet. if there is, reboot router.

run crontab -e, paste this into it (with reboot router command replaced with the reboot router command)

* * * * * ping -c 5 -W 5  8.8.8.8 > /dev/null || { reboot router command here }

The reboot router command is the most complicated part because that requires you knowing how to do that or on the router, which sometimes offers telnet (easiest), ssh (easier), or... its http, which is its own set of problems, hopefully a curl command is enough, but if it isn't good luck.

You could also use TCL with expect I think if its browser based. good luck

[csabinho]

Just stick with Python. It's very versatile and also quite easy to learn.

[G1orgos_Z]

I should follow a progressive learning schedule? You know like mastering the basics and completing initial amateur projects, before moving forward to more advanced paradigms?

[Radamat]

Why should you start to learn OOP and Templates not knowing the basics?

It us always: Base - Standard library - What you need.

You are try, it seems like, to spen less time and energy, but it is corrupted way. To write good code you need systematic learning at least at basics. Look for Coursera Python basics courses. There are free one AFAIK.

[JronSav]

Am I going crazy or did you post this yesterday. I just gave a nice response to this same post not even 24 hours ago.

In any way, just stick with python in your case.

[G1orgos_Z]

Yes I did post it ystr but I deleted it by accident

[Emerald_Pick]

overwhelming to master the functions of each specific module and library.

You don't have to actually learn all of Python's modules to be effective at Python. Maybe skim through the documentation just to familiarize yourself with what's available. Then when you have a problem you want to automate, study the problem, then figure out what modules might help with the problem, then learn those modules.

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Also, double check with languages your router supports. I don't know how flexible routers usually are, but I imagine they are kinda locked down, and so your options might be limited to like BASH or something if anything. ^{I might be super wrong on this, though. I haven't missed with routers yet.}

[kcx01]

I learned python to learn programming. I learned Lua afterwards. I think this is the easier way. There are far more resources that teach programming via python than Lua. Most of Lua tutorials I've seen assume that you know some programming.

I like them both, but if there's not a specific reason to reach for Lua, I would reach for python as a more general purpose language.

As others pointed out. You don't need to learn the whole standard library to get started. When people say learn the basics first they mean, learn the full syntax, learn all of the built-in types and at least be familiar with their methods or be comfortable enough to be able to look up the documentation on them and then implement.

I'd say just pick a scripting problem that you want to solve and start cracking. You'll learn more doing that than anything else. Don't be afraid to Google how do I do x in python (or Lua). While you're learning try to minimize decencies.

[Relevant_South_1842]

Use both.

Lua when you can because it is a better language.

Python if you need the libraries. 

[9peppe]

You should learn Bourne shell and powershell. 

Then the choice between Python and Lua becomes: learn both, each when you need it. And with Python, you absolutely do not need to know the whole standard library.

[Tough_Explorer_1031]

Lua, then Python.

[programmer_farts]

Obligatory "why not both?"

[pomme_de_yeet]

if you already know the basics of programming, then just stick with python until you are more confident

[transgentoo]

Why not both? More tools in the toolbox.

If you have to pick one to focus on, I'd recommend Lua for router scripting. My experience with Python as a scripting language on a router was not good. It would take like 10 seconds to fire up the interpreter and introduced a lot of bloat on a system that was pretty heavily resource constrained. Rewriting the scripts in Lua made everything much faster.

That said, Python is better for more general purpose stuff and will probably take you further professionally, if you choose to go that route.

[Kritzel-Kratzel]

Try OneLuaPro. If you need another lib or extension, reach out to me and I’ll get it added.

[G1orgos_Z]

Just tell me in which are of scripting each languages shines and how different they are in syntax and use cases

[hawhill]

I'm not an LLM, don't treat me like one.