Choosing C++, Rust, etc., over Python for computation speed and system tools

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The main reasons why some people choose languages like C++, Rust over Python are the computation speed and the need for system tools written in-house that do not require a Python interpreter. Python's limitations in speed, being single-core, and requiring an interpreter hinder tasks, except for those heavily relying on C like data science. Moreover, the preference for executable system tools without the necessity of an interpreter boosts languages like Go. Additionally, the desire for a high level of correctness with explicit typing favors languages other than Python.

Python is famed for it’s intuitive syntax, powerful standard library, and rich ecosystem of packages and frameworks. It’s also dynamically typed which is part of what makes the language so accessible.

Paul Everitt is the Python and Web Developer Advocate at JetBrains. He joins the show to talk about developing the PyCharm IDE, the challenge of static analysis in Python, browser-based IDEs, and more.

Sean’s been an academic, startup founder, and Googler. He has published works covering a wide range of topics from information visualization to quantum computing. Currently, Sean is Head of Marketing and Developer Relations at Skyflow and host of the podcast Partially Redacted, a podcast about privacy and security engineering. You can connect with Sean on Twitter @seanfalconer .