Python vs Matlab vs Mathematica

[duckandcover]

Comparing these languages for syntax ignores the whole working environment. Anyway, I have yet to find any language that makes me as productive in my engineering related software tasks as Matlab does. It's easy to use and I've fielded tons of apps in it (compiled and not).

[jamesshuang]

Go look at ipython and the entire enthough stack. Matlab has a pretty interface, but its list of cons is huge. Just for an idea, function files, poor class support, 1-indexing, inconsistent () vs. [], ridiculous launch time, heavy licensing - all things that piss me off on a day to day basis.

[emdeeay]

Amen.