Re: Why I learn a language.

Since at the time I was quite happy with Python, I'd have to say that I learned Perl more or less at gun point. I'd looked at the books on the subject and more or less decided that Perl uses too many characters for my taste---sort of an ASCII APL was my impression. Got a phone call that pretty much said work was available (in Perl), which at least got me started. I was hooked even before I finished the site in question. If Python can be thought of as a pair of Italian hand made shoes, then Perl is a pair of well-broken in penny loafers. And frankly I much prefer the second to the first. They are both great languages, I just find Perl to be far more comfortable and a better fit for the way I think.

--hsm

"Never try to teach a pig to sing...it wastes your time and it annoys the pig."

Comment on Re: Why I learn a language.

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Re: Re: Why I learn a language. by revdiablo (Prior) on Feb 25, 2003 at 09:35 UTC
Warning: the following text may contain some ill-contrived generalities. You have been warned. :) Interesting that you went from Python to Perl. Most of the 'switcher' stories I hear are the other way around. In fact, I hear Python users talking about their previous life as a Perl coder so often, it makes me wonder if I shouldn't launch an in-depth attempt to learn the language. (Then I realize all their criticisms of Perl seem to be based on an extremely superficial knowledge of the langauge, and decide not to persue it further.)	[reply]
Re^3: Why I learn a language. by diotalevi (Canon) on Feb 25, 2003 at 13:28 UTC
I dunno about you but I've been meaning to check out Python for its continuation support and to see whether its closure serialization works better than perls (which plain doesn't). Seeking Green geeks in Minnesota	[reply]
Re: Re^3: Why I learn a language. by Elian (Parson) on Feb 25, 2003 at 14:45 UTC
Python doesn't do continuations. For that you'd have to go to Ruby. (Or perl 6, but that's a ways off)	[reply]
Re^5: Why I learn a language. by diotalevi (Canon) on Feb 25, 2003 at 17:32 UTC
Re^6: Why I learn a language. by adrianh (Chancellor) on Feb 25, 2003 at 17:52 UTC
Re: Re^5: Why I learn a language. by Elian (Parson) on Feb 25, 2003 at 18:34 UTC
Some notes below your chosen depth have not been shown here
Re: Re: Why I learn a language. by hsmyers (Canon) on Feb 25, 2003 at 13:12 UTC
Another comparison I sometimes use is 'C' to 'C++' if you like 'C' more, than you will probably be happier with Perl than with Python. But then what do I know---after all I have admitted to liking assembler! --hsm "Never try to teach a pig to sing...it wastes your time and it annoys the pig."	[reply]