Python for developing software

[Kasper]

Hello people,

I am starting to pick up python as a programming language. Mostly because it is nicely embedded in a lot of programs and tools I use. But I am thinking to create some tiny bits of software in the future.
To continue my road on python I would like to have answers on these questions: is python a good language/platform to do this? And what programs do you suggest for developing software with python?

Thanks

[v0id]

You shall keep in mind that Python is an interpreted language, and if you want to make software, you'll probably need third-party software to convert your Python scripts to executable files - or ship the software with sourcecode. If you fell alright about this, then Python is a great language to use. It's easy, yet powerful, and has lots of libraries.

[monkey_instinct]

Python is a great language to program in. Anything can be program on python, except those programs who need high perfomance. As void said you need some tools to create executable files for Python, but don't worry about that. They are easy to find and they are free. Here is one: FrontPage - py2exe.org

[Victor]

Python is a great language, the only drawback that I could see when I focused on Python was that if you wanted to distribute programs to whoever wanted it, the best way to do so would be to make an executable file (.exe). That's fine and dandy except that Python programs can be enormous. I used Py2exe and PyInstaller with good results (I would recommend PyInstaller for 1 file programs and Py2exe for many different scripts), a simple 'print "hello world!"' program made a 0.99 mb size .exe (PyInstaller) and a 2.5mb directory. Aside from the size issue, Python is an excellent language.

[Sharke]

Originally Posted by Victor

That's fine and dandy except that Python programs can be enormous. I used Py2exe and PyInstaller with good results (I would recommend PyInstaller for 1 file programs and Py2exe for many different scripts), a simple 'print "hello world!"' program made a 0.99 mb size .exe (PyInstaller) and a 2.5mb directory. Aside from the size issue, Python is an excellent language.

Isn't there some economies of scale going on here though? In that your 'print "hello world" turned into a 0.99mb .exe, but a 'print "hello world": print :"hello world"' would not result in a 1.98mb .exe....

I'm reminded of the standard fare which appears on the meter as soon as I get into a New York taxi....

[Victor]

True, but I would consider it a starting size. It certainly doesn't increase .99mb per line.

[G_Morgan]

Py2exe bundles the interpreter in with the byte code. All that size is interpreter and is a one off cost.

Python is fine for applications. If you really need breakneck performance you can always rewrite critical modules in C and link it in. I suspect performance won't be an issue though.