Python vs. Ruby for metaprogramming [closed]

Answer 1

I would recommend you go with Ruby.

When I first started to learn it, I found it really easy to pick up.

Answer 2

Honestly, as far as metaprogramming facilities go, Ruby and Python are a lot more similar than some of their adherent like to admit. This review of both language offers a pretty good comparison/review:

• http://regebro.wordpress.com/2009/07/12/python-vs-ruby/

So, just pick one based on some criteria. Maybe you like Rails and want to study that code. Maybe SciPy is your thing. Look at the ecosystem of libraries, community, etc, and pick one. You certainly won't lose out on some metaprogramming nirvana based on your choice of either.

Answer 3

Do not to mix Ruby Programming Language with Ruby Implementations, thinking that POSIX threads are not possible in ruby.

You can simply compile with pthread support, and this was already possible at the time this thread was created, if you pardon the pun.

The answer to this question is simple. If you like lisp, you will probably prefer ruby. Or, whatever you like.

Answer 4

I suggest that you try out both languages and pick the one that appeals to you. Both Python and Ruby can do what you want.

Also read this thread.

Answer 5

What about OCaml ?

OCaml features: a static type system, type inference, parametric polymorphism, tail recursion, pattern matching, first class lexical closures, functors (parametric modules), exception handling, and incremental generational automatic garbage collection.

I think that it satisfies the following:

Important:

2. Nice, clean, sane syntax and consistent, intuitive semantics. Basically a well thought-out, fun to use, modern language.
3. Multiple paradigms. No one paradigm is right for every project, or even every small subproblem within a project.
4. An interesting language that actually affects the way one thinks about programming.

Somewhat important:

1. Performance. It would be nice if performance was decent, but when performance is a real priority, I'll use D instead.
2. Well-documented.

Answer 6

Lisp satisfies all your criteria, including performance, and it is the only language that doesn't have (strange) syntax. If you eschew it on such an astoundingly ill-informed/wrong-headed basis and consequently miss out on the experience of using e.g. Emacs+SLIME+CL, you'll be doing yourself a great disservice.