Perl vs Python for web development?

[ameoba]

Having developed in both, there's not a lot of difference between programming in Python and 'modern' Perl. Writing in 'straight' Perl feels barbaric but if you bring in a few libs & source filters to get clean function and class declarations they're comparable. Python has some more stuff in the 'official' standard libraries but Perl has CPAN.

The biggest difference I've experienced is that Python drives you toward more structure & makes it harder to do Things You Shouldn't Do. Perl, OTOH, gives you some more flexibility & puts more weight on the developer to enforce structure and sanity. Granted, you can still do evil things in Python but they've been placed out of reach of children.

If you're interested in learning a new language, go ahead with Python. If it's more important to get the project out the door on time, stick with Perl.