Python vs Perl- The Pros & Cons

Both Python as well as Perl are scripting languages with similar purposes for usage. However, the philosophies of the languages are completely different from each other. Coders are almost forced by Python to adhere to specific conventions in coding. However, in Perl, the same problem can be solved in various ways. There has been quite a debate on which programming language to choose among these two but there is no point in continuing that debate as both have their own sets of pros and cons. Unless a careful look is given to analyse what can be tolerated and what cannot, it is fruitless to decide which one is better for your requirements.

Python

This general purpose programming language is quite high level and is most known for the highly readable codes which help in achieving of a variety of things with just a few code lines. Dynamic typing, modules, dynamic high-level data types, classes as well as exceptions are incorporated by the language. There are interfaces to several system libraries, calls along with several systems that are Windows-based.

Pros

Some great features that have contributed towards its popularity include:

1. Being open source, it is freely available.
2. Easy extensibility using as well as integration with Java and C.
3. There are no lines for ending of blocks which makes it extremely compact.
4. It is extremely stable.
5. Using % operator makes the printf-style formatting quite easy to use.
6. There is excellent support for modules, objects as well as several other reusability mechanisms.
7. The intuitive design makes it very easy for beginners to use.

Cons

Some problems are:

1. In case of incorrect indentation the codes do not work which pose a problem.
2. Specific convention must be followed by the programmer; it is almost like forcing them.
3. True multiprocessor support is lacking in it.
4. Despite being open source, there is no commercial support point.
5. The must-required explicit return statement along with absence of statement modifies, make it slightly problematic for usage.
6. In development shops it is actually obscure.
7. The solutions do not come prepackaged.

Perl

Practical Extraction and Reporting Language or Perl as it is fondly known as, is a high level language which is used for general purpose programming. It has fundamental portability to UNIX boxes along with many other systems. High portability of the scripts is one feature that can be achieved if system-specific functions can be avoided.

Pros

1. For Loops and functions, it uses Braces which lends a traditional approach.
2. The look of the language is Shell-like.
3. It is versatile as well as mature.
4. The expression last evaluated is taken as the return value.
5. The running is quick which helps in achieving the right answer in correct timeline.
6. You only need to actually define the class to ensure that everything is clean.
7. Multipurpose
8. Depending on the need, it may be procedural, object oriented, functional or imperative.
9. The interpreted language is excellent replacement for sed/awk since the syntax is similar but with more functionality.
10. File manipulation is managed by it in an excellent manner.
11. The portable Perl is great for regular expressions, string manipulation as well as pattern matching.

Cons

Some cons associated with the popular language are:

1. Awful syntax. In fact it is regarded as the sole language that can be uuencoded without even noticing.
2. It has a poor usability factor when compared to many languages.
3. The undocumented object model is unavailable in many places.
4. It is not a great option for beginners; especially if they are used to handling type-free languages.
5. It may be slow for many tasks such as scripting.
6. The same result can be achieved in several ways which makes the code unreadable as well as untidy.
7. If the code is large with more than 200 lines, problems are created.
8. It is not portable, with ugly libraries and poor argument handling.

The debate between Python and Perl can go on and on. But there is no point is adding fuel to that since ultimately it all trickles down to two things- your exact requirements and what exactly you can handle. According to that the ultimate decision of choosing the apt programming language must be made. To get maximum benefits of Python development, you may consider hiring services of a custom Python development company company.

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