[Discussion] Perl or Python

[Bob Wonderly]

Ghost -- still lurking -- likes Python but doesn't qualify to respond 
since he doesn't know Perl.

Hi Brian. We meet again.

Python is a powerful general purpose procedural/OOP language. It's 
syntax is somewhat different from REXX and its way of handling arrays is 
very different--and I think more intuitive than REXX. But I suppose one 
person's intuition is another's incomprehensible mystery.

If you do choose Python there is a lot of material free on the web: 
tutorials, ref manuals, examples (just google "python") ...

The Manning people who specialize in books for programmers have a nice 
Python book, available both as digital only and hard copy. I have the 
digital version which costs only 25$.

<http://manning.com/harms/>

I got started doing Python programming earlier this year in connection 
with using SAGE. SAGE is a free Open Source competitor for (very 
expensive) Mathematica and is very powerful. It will do symbolic 
algebra--manipulate equations as well as do calculations with numbers. 
But SAGE is not what you are looking for at this point.

If you get going with Python I'm willing to help you with samples of how 
to get it to do various things. I have programmed in many languages over 
the last 53 years and a new language always frustrates me at the 
beginning when I am figuring out how to make it do what I want it to do. 
Part of the reason for the frustration is expecting it to act like other 
languages with which I am familiar--so just don't expect the "Python 
way" to be like the "REXX way". IMHO Python has a richer set of 
available constructs than REXX.

Good luck. Keep us informed on how it goes. If you can, use a good 
programmer's editor that recognizes Python syntax. Unfortunately I don't 
know if there is one like that for OS/2.

My days of programming for pay are over so I am out of touch with the 
market place but I have friends who are still "there". I will complicate 
your situation by saying this: the language Ruby is used quite a bit in 
building web based applications (I know this not from first hand having 
done so but from reading...). I began using Ruby a few years ago. I 
think Python will be easier for you to learn though. IMHO Ruby has even 
a richer set of available constructs as well as a richer (thus perhaps 
more confusing) syntax.

I'm talking too much ... but I'm thinking you might find work quicker 
building and maintaining web sites. Someone else still active in the 
field please jump in and comment...

Bob Wonderly

Brian Grawburg wrote:
> Anybody have any experience with both Perl & Python so as to suggest which one is:
> 
> a. Easier to learn? (I already have some experience with REXX and of course old BASIC)
> b. More likely to be in demand by potential employers? (I've been laid off from my job - non IT related - and am thinking of picking up a 
> new skill that won't be affected by my age - 62)
> 
> Just as an aside several years ago I tried learning Java and found OOP much more difficult that the convention procedural type 
> programming I used to. I do know that Python is OOP, but have the impression it might be easier to learn than Java.
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Brian Grawburg
> Wilson, NC
> 
> eCS 1.2R, Lotus SmartSuite, PMMail
> 
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