I like Python. It seems nice and clean (syntax-wise) to me. I'd like to get more into using it for serious system admin stuff. I notice that many folks use Perl for that.

When the rubber meets the road, is Python as capable as Perl for system administration?

Short answer: Yes

It is not the language that is capable to do system administration, it is the man

Keefaz has a great point.

I personally prefer Python to Perl only because I'm more comfortable with it and I like the syntax layout better. It is certainly a decision to be made personally, and with anyone who has to deal with your code.

Y'know, nearly everyone I talk to prefers Python (due to its simplicity mainly). Given that, I'm still curious why Perl enjoys such popular use. I mean, it's used everywhere, and the docs are extremely good (I'm thinking of the Oreilly Perl books, which are really shining examples of great technical writing).

keefaz -- careful; there's female sysadmins out there too.

I would think Perl is liked because of its Unix syntax, I mean most Perl commands name
are the same name as Unix ones (mkdir, find, grep, reg exps, tr..) also as Perl is good for
manipulating text, it can be used to parse config files, logs, process outputs and make
reports.

keefaz, I see your point. I wonder, (since I don't have too much experience with it) does Perl provide more or easier access to your Unix system under the hood than Python?

Python is a great language and MUCH MUCH simpler to learn and troubleshoot if needed. Perl remains popular because not every admin got their job 5 years ago. Like all languages, they both can do most anything, but are better suited to certain items. Heck, I see admins still using Common Lisp because it's what they know or its suited to their purpose. I like Perl, but most of my simple programming is Python or Ruby these days.

If you like trends, try out Ruby. It's the "next" big thing. I personally think it's easier than Python and you don't have to have "perfect" syntax to make it work.

> If you like trends, try out Ruby.

Thanks for the reply ghight. No, I don't like trends. I like simplicity and minimalism (and good docs :). Trouble is, I also want to find a job doing admin work. I know I'll need to know *some* Perl, but I'd like to be able to look into the crystal ball and learn if Python can deal with the sticky issues when things get complicated and ugly.

You would be good to learn a little of as much as possible. A good quote for an admin in need of a job is "I know a little about everything and everything about very little".

If you are not currently a sysadmin, I'd say you should spend a bulk of your time with Perl. Python is very popular but not so much as a scripting backend yet (although it's perfectly capable of doing so).

Just my 2 cents.

G

Thanks ghight.

> You would be good to learn a little of as much as possible.

Heh. Story of my life. Trouble with that is, it makes you an unemployable renaissance man (at least in my experience). Hopefully I'm wrong about that though.

Thanks for the advice.