Well I don't really want to step into the Python vs. Ruby swamp. Others might volunteer stronger opinions. I personally prefer Python because it just seems to fit my brain a little better. I like also its (arguably) better unicode support, cleaner standardized database apis and syntax. There's obviously a lot more that can be (and has been) said.
Python should not be difficult to learn for anyone, and experienced programmers will have an easy time of it. I have heard of folks coming from statically-typed language backgrounds taking a while to adjust to Python's dynamic nature, but I can't see that being a real obstacle. By the way, for pre-programmed programmers, Mark Pilgrim's Dive Into Python is a superb Python intro. I've tried most of the tools out there at one time or another, and I've settled on two. Neither is open source if that's important to you. I have been a WindIDE proponent for a while now, but I have recently come to be quite fond of PyCharm. Jury is still out, but it may be better than Wing. Of the open source IDEs, I like PyDev (Eclipse). Congratulations on leaving PHP. I know from experience that you'll be happier! J On Fri, Apr 15, 2011 at 11:56 AM, Matt Towers <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi Everyone, > > Just joined the list today and looking forward to learning more. > > My company is in the process of ditching PHP as our web framework and > strongly leaning towards Python, though Ruby is in the running as well. I > only have limited experience with both but will be ultimately responsible > for the application. Can anyone here comment on the relative strengths of > Python over Ruby (or vice-versa)? Some of the factors we're considering > are: > > How do the learning curves compare for someone with a strong background in > traditional object oriented design and languages (C++, Java, C#, etc.)? > > Is there a decently sized pool skilled Python web developers in the Seattle > area? > > Given the maturity of Python, I assume there are large number of developer > tools and libraries out there, but in terms of web development are there any > obviously missing components found in other frameworks? > > > Cheers! > > ✈ Matt > >
