I totally disagree with you. This is by far my most pro-ruby, anti-Python post, seeing as its the only one of its ilk. I’ve written about Python four times. This post, one talking about decorators which can’t be called pro-ruby because Ruby doesn’t support this particular language feature, one about a small framework for app engine where ruby isn’t mentioned at all, and one about whether there will one day be single dominant programming language where I basically say Ruby and Python are nearly identical.

I imagine you came expecting a few “Ruby is better than Python/Python is better than Ruby” slap fights, and, alas, this is the only one I have to offer. And, shit, I’m not even saying that Ruby is generally better/cooler/more awesomer/ than Python. I’m saying that in a particular context Ruby is a better choice. Unless you’re affiliated with SI somehow, I imagine the basis of your “SI made a perfect choice” argument is a feeling that Python is always better for every task in every context. If it’s more informed, please blog about why (or comment here) – the latest word is that Chuck is taking the class back to PHP next year and I think he’d appreciate feedback on that move.

Thinking one language is intrinsically superior to another a fine opinion, but it’s not one I agree with for any language, even Ruby.

As for really learning Python, I have been. This is week ten of significant daily Python use. Python is actually the language I’ve been using the most in this period, followed by Javascript, then Ruby. So far Ruby and Python feel nearly identical to me with a few exceptions: I find blocks a far more expressive way to code than passing around functions (this is true for any language that leans towards functional programming) and I like the consistent way classes, modules, and objects are handled.

I challenge you to really learn Python. It’ll be fun.

Ruby is a great language, but it’s not Python. Sorry.

There’s a lot of cross pollination in the web community, but I see more popularized concepts being exported from Ruby than from other languages right now. Ruby is having a disproportionate influence on web development in general. This might be because Ruby has been the flavor of the month for the last three years. It might be because Ruby is better suited for the web tasks we find ourselves doing lately. I don’t venture a “why” now or in the article.

My point isn’t that Ruby is superior to Python, but that for the stated goals of the School Ruby is a better fit: for them it makes more sense gravitate towards energy and influence instead of market share.

The reason startups are using it is because of some inherent superiority but because Rails is the Flavor of the Month. I could go on but I am not sure I will get anywhere.

I also wanted to expand my programming skills and get into some really challenging stuff, but now it appears that the class may not dig in that deep.

Regarding Chuck’s last comment above:

“We need to solidly teach HTML, basic programming, and the request response cycle in SI502 – and then SI539 could take off from there.”

I totally agree. We need a class beyond 502 that assumes some prior knowledge – like solid HTML & CSS along w/exposure to programming – so that the class can delve more quickly into a language. People in the HCI specialization often have some programming experience, and there should be a course offered to help them advance their skills.

Max, I’m interested in the Ruby mentorship (as long as Trek doesn’t make us cry), so there’s 2…

SI students do a little bit of both kinds of work: content site design/critique in classes like Dan Klyn’s good survey of Information Architecture and Paul Resnick’s Content Management Systems; application design/critique in Database Application Design, Principles of Software Design for Learning, Interface and Interaction Design, Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, and Design of Complex Websites.

We had frameworks to support both of these areas: Rails for applications and Drupal for content. Using Django in Complex Websites moves SI too far from the main energy in web application development. Python/Django would have been an amazing replacement for Drupal, but would have likely given Paul Resnick an aneurysm (he’s a big Drupal supporter and I’ve heard his wife runs a consulting business based on Drupal use).

- Paddy.