Learning Python

I've avoided it for at least 10 years, but I finally bit the bullet.

I am developing an application in Python.

Read on for my take on what I like about Python, and what I didn't like so much.

Great stuff:

• Functions are first class


• Great support for object oriented programming


• Basic feature parity with Perl


• Great library support (I'll cover some of these in a later post)


• Closures (all the cool kids have them)

Not so great stuff:

• Scoping is wierd, but maybe I just need to get used to it


• Feels wrong to not close blocks explicitly


• Wierd __foo__ special functions, etc. (although I don't have much room to talk since I like Perl)


• No autovivification

Random thoughts:

• Anyone who says it has "cleaner" object orientation than Perl probably just doesn't "get" Perl.


• Somehow, it reminds me strongly of Javascript. They are just somehow similar.