There are many programming languages to choose from when starting out in coding. Two of the most popular ones are Perl and Python. They have some similarities, but there are also some key differences between them. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of those differences and explore why you might want to choose one over the other.
What is Perl?
Perl is a high-level, general-purpose, interpreted, dynamic programming language. Perl was originally developed by Larry Wall in 1987 as a general-purpose Unix scripting language to make report processing easier. Since then, it has undergone many changes and revisions. Perl 5, released in 1995, included support for object-oriented programming. Perl 6, released in 2015, focuses on simplifying complex data structures and providing powerful built-in concurrency mechanisms. It is processor independent, meaning that it can run on any type of computer system. Perl is also one of the most versatile languages, being used for a wide variety of tasks such as web development, system administration, network programming, GUI development, and more. Consequently, it has been nicknamed “the Swiss Army chainsaw of scripting languages.” If you are looking for a powerful and versatile scripting language, Perl is an excellent choice.
What is Python?
Python is a programming language with many features that make it unique among other languages. Python is object-oriented, meaning that code can be organized into self-contained units called objects. Python is also interpreted, meaning that code can be executed without being compiled first. Python also has a large standard library, meaning that there is a wide range of functions and modules that are available to use without having to install them separately. Python is used in many different domains, including web development, scientific computing, and artificial intelligence. Python is easy to learn for beginners, but it also has advanced features that make it suitable for more experienced programmers. Python is an extremely versatile language that can be used for a wide variety of tasks.
Difference between Perl and Python
So, what’s the difference between Perl and Python? For starters, Perl is a scripting language while Python is a programming language. This means that Perl is designed for tasks that can be automated, such as web scraping or data analysis, while Python is more general-purpose and can be used for building applications or powering websites. In terms of syntax, Perl is known for being ” write-once, run-anywhere” meaning that it’s relatively easy to read and understand. Python, on the other hand, adopts an ” explicit is better than implicit” philosophy which makes code cleaner and more readable. When it comes down to it, the choice of language depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking to automate a task or two, Perl is probably your best bet. But if you need a powerful and versatile programming language, Python is the way to go.
Conclusion
Perl and Python are both popular programming languages used in web development. While they share some similarities, there are also several key differences between the two languages.
