From: Alexandru Popescu <the_mindstorm@...>
Date: 2005-06-11T22:07:56+09:00
Subject: Re: python/ruby benchmark.

I've run through this thread and i am finally writting this because i am in a way astonished.

Afaik Python uses bytecodes while Ruby is completely interpretative, so imo there is not possible to
drive conclusions from this benchmark.

A lot of _comparisons_ are made in this list (I see everywhere Ruby code has fewer lines than X,
Ruby dev is better than Y, etc); finally you may expect these other kinds of comparisons to take
place. As far as the 1st comparison was made, I see no benefit from hidding behind the finger and
disregarding from the start the possibility to look at other types of comparisons.
I see here (n.b. on the ML) lots of ideas and open minds while speaking of ruby (_and just ruby_)
and I appreciate this. But everytime, somebody/something is bringing into attention another
tool/language something bad/sad happens and all this openminded is vanishing away.

While looking at Python and Ruby as both being oo scripting languages, I agree I would like to
hear/see/read comparisons: from all possible points of view. And imo one of the most important is
the runtime performance. Maybe the development is easier and cheaper, but if the performance is bad
i will not do it. Also, even if I have to write fewer lines in X, but the tools for Y are offering
much more I will certanly go for Y (disclaimer: I am not speaking from the pov of writting a command
line parser utility or some other little toy that parse the log of my server, but from the pov of
developing a medium/large application).

A few months ago - not very many - I have started looking at Ruby. And I am enjoying its ideas a
lot. But, after some time, I am still not sure I will start working with it. I know, you may say:
`maybe Ruby is not for you� (and maybe, I can agree with this). I must sadly confess that I haven't
got the same impression while looking at Python (and from the sizes of communities I can deduce many
others haven't felt the same).

Finally, please consider the above not a violent complain, but a sad objection I'm having.

:alex |.::the_mindstorm::.|