which one should I try to learn first : Perl or Python???

Answers

1. sterno73

   On 2006-08-01 06:45:59

   
   
   I agree, Perl. Python has formatting rules that you don't have to worry about with Perl. Perl's mantra is TMTOWTDI - There's More Than One Way To Do It. Though this is referring more to algorithm, there is value in being able to format your code in the way that works best for you - still you want to at least remain consistent in how you format your own code. There are other good reasons for going with Perl, but this one is most likely to get the Python camp fired up.

2. swami060

   On 2006-08-01 21:12:00

   
   
   Perl is very powerful for what it does, especially in the field of text processing and manipulation. However since conciseness is a property of the language, it has pretty arcane builtins which might be very useful for power users but are intimidating for beginners. Python is an object oriented interpreted language, that has a good set of builtins and an easy syntax to learn and apply. If you are working in a company, then it is good to follow the language of choice there, because you need to spend good amount of time in mastering either of these two languages, and it might not be a good ROI to learn Python when the prevalent language is Perl or vice-versa. Usually Perl is more often used since it is older.

3. SaranG

   On 2006-08-01 05:24:03

   
   
   PERL.