[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Okay, since everyone ignored the FAQ, I guess I can too... > > Mark Tarver wrote: >> How do you compare Python to Lisp? What specific advantages do you >> think that one has over the other? > > (Common) Lisp is the only industrial strength language with both pure > compositionality and a real compiler. What Python has is stupid slogans > ("It fits your brain." "Only one way to do things.") and an infinite > community of flies that, for some inexplicable reason, believe these > stupid slogns. These flies are, however, quite useful because they > produce infinite numbers of random libraries, some of which end up > being useful. But consider: Tcl replaced Csh, Perl replaced Tcl, Python > is rapidly replacing Perl, and Ruby is simultaneously and even more > rapidly replacing Python. Each is closer to Lisp than the last; the > world is returning to Lisp and is dragging the flies with it. > Eventually the flies will descend upon Lisp itself and will bring with > them their infinite number of random libraries, and then things will be > where they should have been 20 years ago, but got sidetracked by Tcl > and other line noise. >
Hmmm. The last time I fooled around with Lisp was 1966 from the Lisp 1.5 Manual Published by MIT in cloth. It was interesting and different from the other languages I was using, Algol 60, Basic and Macro assembler for the GE-235 and GE-635. When I read some of the over the top type hype by Lisp enthusiasts (like the stuff above) it feels like a flash back to the mid 60's. Personally, I never like Lisp syntax; Clearly some people, some fanatic judging by this thread :) think easily in prefix. I am not one of them. Computer languages are tools and everyone should pick the ones that they are most comfortable and productive with. Six years ago, when I drifted back into programming, I had to learn about Object Oriented programming and C++. I used Python as a means to update my programming skills (limited though they are) by 30 years or so. It was a wonderful intro to OO and served me well. I ended up writing all kinds of little things for work (simple HTTP servers for load testing, ECAD hacks for the ASIC guys, even a register level chip simulator) Even better, I find it a pleasure to write small utilities, to prototype C code and generally do things quickly. I use it by choice to get things done, not because it is mandated. At my current job as a Systems Engineer for a large aerospace firm, I do not program daily, but when I need to write a quick hack, I always use Python. david -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list