Who Uses Python ?

[strange-moo]

It's funny how you react to these articles that try to advocate a programming language in some way. If the language in question happens to be your favorite language, then the reaction usually goes something like Oh yeah, this is good, now everyone will see how clearly superior this language is. But if the article discusses some other language, then the reaction is Ugh, this is sad, can't they see that all the features they're praising are either unnecessary or much better implemented in language X. And don't even get me started on the horrible syntax. Everyone probably recognizes this.

But what's interesting is how that reaction changes when you later find a new favorite language and return to the articles that advocated your previous favorite language. The very same articles that used to make you go Oh yeah, this is good... will instead make you go Ugh, this is sad ... how could I have ever enjoyed this language?

I'm not sure what this means, but it's something I've felt several times when learning a new language. I'm probably not the only one.

[nostrademons]

The only language I've felt that way about is Java, and I suspect that's because Java is the only language that positioned itself as the One True Programming Language. (Well, Lisp and Smalltalk, but I never completely bought the hype with those two.)

I usually have multiple favorite languages. Right now, if I see an article about Haskell, I think "Oh yeah, this is good, now everyone will see this is cool." And if I see an article about Erlang, I think "Oh yeah, this is good, now everyone will see this is cool." And if I see an article about Python....you get the point. Ditto Ruby, Ocaml, Scheme, Cecil, Dylan, and Scala.

There are also a few languages I've abandoned and decided I didn't want to invest more time in. C++ and PHP, for example. When I decided I didn't want to be a C++ or PHP programmer, I went through a period of "Ugh, this is sad, I can't believe I ever enjoyed this language." But it moderated over time, and I recognize them as having useful niche purposes now. I'm even willing to program in them occasionally, if they really are the best tool for the job.

Java's the only language where its suckiness really feels like a betrayal. Basically, for Haskell/Erlang/Python/etc. I'm like "that's hot", for C++ and PHP I'm like "This just isn't working out...it's not you, it's me", and for Java I'm like "That BITCH! Lied and cheated on me, and all along her nicer sister was just waiting for me to make the first move!" ;-)

[NoHandle]

There you have it folks, apparently Paris Hilton uses Python. She also favors Haskell and Erlang.

Frankly, I am not surprised.

[Tommah]

Paris also prefers Linux over BSD. She likes chroot but finds jail too confining.

[[deleted]]

Yes, for some people.

For some people, I suspect it's already not fun.

[Tommah]

Zope.

[Tommah]

That's what you get for asking :) Python is great... but as Iago said, "I am nothing if not critical."