I don't look at it in a technical light, but rather how do you wish to be shaped by the tools you use and create; and the people you interact with and learn from. For example, here's a short list of how I view the choice differential.

Use Perl if:

• primary use unix, BSD, linux
• care about portability and longevity of your work
• prefer master of the language and workflow efficiency
• are familiar with and like the Unix^tm philosphy for tools
• believe that a user community exists such that you tend to mastery (i.e., believe that iron sharpens iron)
• see the value of an unbroken linkage to unix wizards of the past
• not only comfortable with, but are actually attracted to the idea of being among a class of remnant working and toiling for the day that Perl will be rediscovered and appreciated

Use Python if:

• primarily use Windows or are agnostic to the OS
• don't care about the longevity or portability of your work
• wish to be a jack o' all trade
• prefer to be part of the herd

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