Python hosting
Python hosting is a high-level programming language which is used both for scripting and as a glue language for putting together various components of a program together. It is an object-oriented language with ever-changing semantics. The python normally consists of high-level data structures which are inherent in the system. Python is a very popular programming language because its syntax is extremely easy to read and learn. This feature drastically reduces the cost of program maintenance. Python hosting emphasizes upon the reuse of codes and modularity of programs when used as a host. The Python interpreter and library, both in source and in binary form, can be easily found on all platforms. The distribution of Python interpreter and library is usually done free of cost.
As far as the programmers are concerned Python hosting is a huge hit. This is because Python increases their productivity. The Python program does not entail compilation, which makes the Python program cycle of editing, testing, and debugging extremely fast. Programmers also find it extremely easy to debug Python programs. What is even better is that a bug in the Python hosting system is never likely to cause what programmers refer to as ‘segmentation fault’. When an error is indeed detected in the Python program, the interpreter raises an ‘exception’, so that the Python program is able to spot it. In case however, the Python program also fails to catch the exception, then the interpreter prints a stack case. The system allows for inspection of both the local and global variables, setting up of breakpoints, and evaluation of arbitrary expressions by a source level debugger, which is usually written in Python itself. However, there is another way of debugging a Python program. By simply adding a few print statements to the source or the edit-test-debug cycle, the programmer can debug the program extremely quickly.
Python hosting is often compared to web hosting in different languages such as Java, Perl, Java Script, Tcl, and Smalltalk along with constant comparisons with C++, Scheme, and Common Lisp. This article will briefly be touching upon each of those comparisons.
The programs hosted by Python are said to be somewhat slower than the ones hosted by Java. However, the flip side for Java-run programs is that they take a long time developing, while Python programs get ready very quickly. Python programs, according to programmers, are about 3-5 times shorter than their Java counterparts. This is mainly due to the high-level data structures inherent in Python, as also its dynamic semantics. Python is also considered to be a better glue language than Java. Java is used mainly for low-level implementation language. Programmers however, are of the view that Python and Java programs would make a great combination. According to them, various components of a program can be made in Java and then these components can be combined to form applications in Python. In fact, Python can be used as prototype for components which can later be finalized in Java. In order to support this kind of combination, programmers say that a Python implementation which is written in Java will have to be developed. This implementation must be such to allow calling of Python codes from Java and calling of Java codes from Python. In this case, a Python source code would be translated to Java byte code.
Comparisons are also drawn between Python and Perl since they have similar development backgrounds of UNIX scripting. Apart from this, there are several other features in both Python and Perl that are somewhat similar to each other. However, the operating philosophy of Python is completely different from that of Perl. For instance, Perl supports common application-oriented tasks. It also underlines the importance of file scanning and the reporting of the generating features. Python, on the other hand, emphasizes on the support for common programming methodologies such as data structure design and object-oriented programming. But, overall, the Python’s applicability is far greater than that of Perl’s.
Tcl, just like Python, is used as an application extension language. It is also used as a stand-along programming language. But, the difference between Tcl and Python is that Tcl is equipped with weak data structures. Its execution of codes is also much slower than that of the Python. Another major difference between Tcl and Python is that Tcl lacks the features that are used for writing large programs. Therefore, in case of a large program, Tcl extensions that are written in C or C++ are used, while a large Python application can be written in ‘pure Python’ language.
The differences between Python and C++ on the other hand, are much the same as the ones between Python and Java. While a Python code was 3-5 times shorter than a Java code, in case of C++, the difference is as much as 5-10 times. C++ is also a much slower program than Python. A Python program that takes two months to complete is completed in almost a year’s time in C++.