From: William Djaja Tjokroaminata <billtj@...>
Date: 2002-09-06T06:29:14+09:00
Subject: Re: Ruby aesthetics

It seems that we both view Python's code consistency and language
simplicity with much favor.  I guess that the only difference is that
"those other parts" have made me switch to Ruby.

Regarding the simplicity (minimalism), I think some people have
responded.  Matz has given the reason why he did not adopt the
indentation-based syntax.  I cannot recall Matz reasons on why he
personally did not try to adhere to the minimalism principle (such as
providing both "if" and "unless", "!" and "not", aliases, etc.)  I think
the attractiveness of the C language stems from the fact that it is a
minimalist language, but yet so powerful.

Regards,

Bill
===========================================================================
paul@prescod.net wrote:
> The consistency of Python code makes me more confident that I can bring on
> new programmers quickly. Non-blocking threads and Unicode are important
> for some of my applications. Sometimes Jython (which I think is more
> mature than JRuby). I don't know if Ruby has something like distutils
> which builds modules using the platform-native tools no matter the
> platform. I am getting qutie interested in Pyrex and psycho that can
> accelerate Python code.

> So basically Python has more infrastructure. The only deep issue that
> would make me prefer Python to Ruby is the code consistency and general
> language simplicity issue. That's important to me. There are parts of Ruby
> I prefer too.

>  Paul Prescod