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-   -   Python & Perl: Which is better? (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/programming-9/python-and-perl-which-is-better-60634/)

enk0d 05-19-2003 10:28 AM

Python & Perl: Which is better?
 
I don't want to step on any toes here but i really would like a honest and sincere answer to my post.

I have done some looking and reading and from most of the posts everyone seems to say that python and perl are the same but are they really? Python is object orienated that is and can help you to learning C/C++ later on in your scripting adventures. When I sit back and look at the world today what is used more what is better to learn when someone wants to become a system admin. I would like to get certified in RHCE and Cisco but how much python will i be using then or during my time getting my bachelors or masters in electronic engineering?

Some people say Python is easier to learn as compared to Python but is that really true for someone who is a newbie to programming?

Proud 05-19-2003 12:43 PM

Well I guess most would say you use a language to solve a problem, they're a tool. So if one language would make it easier to solve a problem than another, use the easier of the two.
As you dont mention a specific problem you intent to use Python or Perl to solve, think up an interesting project/problem you want to solve, then find which is the better language to solve it in. Then try solving it in the other language once you've developed your solution ;)

And now after all those buzzwords: PYTHON! :D
Mixed with wxPython it's so easy to make fancy gui apps, and the interactive nature of Python makes coding and testing faster (no need to compile, thought there is a compiled form to speed things up) :cool:

llama_meme 05-19-2003 12:44 PM

Oh god...*ducks*

I think most people would agree that Python is easier to learn, and that the object-oriented features of Python would make it a bit easier to grasp C++ later on.

Alex

dogn00dles 05-19-2003 04:00 PM

Hmm...I think if you're staying on the UNIX side of things Perl would suit you better. I'm no expert on either (just started learning Perl, dinked around in Py for a while...), but that's the general impression I get (Perl having more modules and all...I've seen a lot of network-based stuff written in Perl).

enk0d 05-19-2003 07:39 PM

well the reason why i was asking is because i am planning on getting into more network security and system admin so this is why i was thinking that perl would be ideal for the job. Seeing how alot of people use python as a introductory language could one use perl for the same thing? Provided you get go documention on it like a orielly book

llama_meme 05-20-2003 04:34 AM

Perl is OK as an introductory language - not ideal, but if you have a good book you'll be fine.

Alex

acid_kewpie 05-20-2003 04:54 AM

perl is really cool. as is python, however python is substantially different from most other procedural languages, i'd recommend a more conventional language like C or Perl as the knowledge you'll get from there should prove much more transferrable than having python as your first port of call.

joesbox 05-20-2003 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by llama_meme
Perl is OK as an introductory language - not ideal, but if you have a good book you'll be fine.

Alex

i agree. perl is the only language that i know (for now) here is the book that i learned when training to take over the web here at work.
Perl and CGI for the world wide web

yes it is mostly for web application but i was able to translate to other functions.

enk0d 05-22-2003 09:15 PM

Hmmm.........interesting what about the scripting aspect of it and using it within programs like irssi for example. When I look around I notice that most people start out learning perl because of there addiction so to speak to IRC. But if someone like me is to learn perl but at the same time use it in irssi is there a conflict between the two? Learning perl scripting for IRC and learning perl scripting for the real world or will the two benefit each other perfectly?


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