I don't because it doesn't live up to its promises. Some of the most unreadable code I have seen was Python. Pure line noise.
Yeah, I often blame the wood and nails when I see a poorly built house.
Ask HN: Why use Python?
31–40 of 41 posts
Re: Ask HN: Why use Python?
#32It's clear, easy to read and junior developers can pick it up easily and contribute code sooner.
Re: Ask HN: Why use Python?
#33CiPy. Simply the best option if you want to plot and manipulate your data in whatever way possible without any assle(most of the time).
Re: Ask HN: Why use Python?
#34I don't because it doesn't live up to its promises. Some of the most unreadable code I have seen was Python. Pure line noise.
Are you confusing Python with Perl? The latter prides itself on creating line-noise that works like magic. Python is meant to be super-readable.
Actually I find well written Perl more readable.
Re: Ask HN: Why use Python?
#35I don't because it doesn't live up to its promises. Some of the most unreadable code I have seen was Python. Pure line noise.
I've never seen unreadable code in Python. Care to post a sample? And even if it actually was unreadable, just consider how the equivalent would look in Perl, or C (or APL...).
My point was that Python written by someone that don't know how to write readable code is just as unreadable as "sysadmin" Perl. Well written Perl is actually very readable.
Re: Ask HN: Why use Python?
#36I try to avoid it for new programs though, as the life of the sane language version (Python 2) is going to end at some point.
People still have to maintain Cobol programs, Python 2.x is not going to go anywhere.
Re: Ask HN: Why use Python?
#37I try to avoid it for new programs though, as the life of the sane language version (Python 2) is going to end at some point.
> as the life of the sane language version (Python 2) is going to end at some point. Don't hold your breath for that. There are tens (hundreds?) of millions of Python code in production that's nobody ever gonna port, and that people will still support well into 2040.
So better job expectancy for Python programmers? :D
Re: Ask HN: Why use Python?
#38Better question is why you wouldn't
Re: Ask HN: Why use Python?
#39It's a top-tier language due to the amazing support it receives from companies and the community. The PSF is well organized and the language releases are stable. There aren't a massive number of releases (or security issues) to try and keep up with but enough where new features are being added. It's usually one of the first languages to receive love when a new service is rolled out in terms of a library or offering. Tooling is good, using Visual Studio Code.
It's on an uptrend on usage which is always good for your career. I use it for web apps and API's and many larger companies also use it like Uber, Rackspace, Twillio, etc. The scientific field is becomming larger and it seems to be growing extremely quick with a new momentum in AI. Great option for building a CLI tool out. Overall it can handle a lot.
It's a language I really enjoy using on a daily basis at work. It feels like it has been the result of lots of hard work from some really smart people. Our team was at a crossroads and tried a variety of languages, we all agreed on Python. Clarity of what's happening with code is important to us and Python excels in this area.
Re: Ask HN: Why use Python?
#40I use Python because:
- it's a well designed language
- it has a great ecosystem and community
- it runs fast (enough for my purposes)
- it looks enough like pseudo-code that translating what I wrote on paper into a program is that much simpler.
The fact that it can be used both for teaching computer science in colleges and children how to code speaks volumes about its versatility and approachability.
I use it mostly for web apps, APIs and miscellaneous scripts. Python has been a great addition to my tool-belt. There are some languages I hope I never have to write again; Python on the other hand is something I'm going to always keep in mind, even if I spend most of my days writing another language.