Why Python is the Last Language You'll Have To Learn

http://jakevdp.github.io/blog/2012/09/20/why-python-is-the-last/

by Mitt • 12 years ago

2 3 12 years ago

jakevdp.github.io

dj-wonk2• 12 years ago

Giving "reasons" why a language will be around a while is roughly somewhat comparable to giving "reasons" why a particular business or industry will last. These kinds of comparisons are a waste of mental energy.

Things like languages or businesses last (or do not) largely because of their interaction with their environment -- not because of (a) innate properties or (b) characteristics that we observe at this moment in time. A great language, like Python, deserves praise because of how useful it has been, but let's not get carried away and sanctify it.

Time will tell how long it lasts.

In the meanwhile, I like to use languages that help my productivity (for a particular problem) and don't help me shoot myself in the foot.

dj-wonk2• 12 years ago

It backwards to suggest that any one language is the last you'll have to learn. Learning new languages is part of staying relevant. Even English is subtly changing over time.

(I don't mean to be a stickler just because I don't like the title -- and I don't -- but the language we choose matters.)

the_cat_kittles• 12 years ago

I learned python first. Then I wanted to make iOS apps. Then I wanted to make cool frontend for websites. Then I wanted to make really fast code for simuating things. What a stupid article premise.

Why Python is the Last Language You'll Have To Learn

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