Re: Python vs. Lisp - by Peter Norvig

BTW, Norvig's book "Paradigms of Artificial Intelligence Programming: Case
Studies in Common Lisp" is excellent.  I read it a few years back when I first
started getting into Scheme.  It's available from the UVM library; if anyone
wants it, I could check it out.

I've never used Python, which seems like a compromise to me.  I don't expect I
ever will use Python, but who knows.  I suppose that Python is a little more
of a work-place acceptable language (most likely because they sell Python
books at Borders et al.), so maybe if you're in a jam at work and need your
map, fold, compose and so on, Python could come in handy.

And let me say that a pattern-based hygenic macro system beats eval any day,
despite what Norvig says in the opening paragraph.  Of course, you get *both*
in Scheme.  Also, since it was brought up recently, neither Python or Common
LISP have first class continuations, which are neat.

-d

Aaron S. Hawley wrote:
> I know little about either language, but found this piece interesting.
> I've copied what I found worthwhile (most of it) below.
> 
> Python for Lisp Programmers
> http://www.norvig.com/python-lisp.html
> by Peter Norvig