why i’m still using python
see also: Latency Budget · Platform Risk
python
tooling
speed
ecosystem
tradeoffs
The essay argued that Python keeps winning because it optimizes for iteration speed and ecosystem leverage. It framed tradeoffs as deliberate, not accidental.
I read it as a productivity signal. Speed of thought beats raw performance for most work.
You might like: [[I Wrote a SQL Engine in Python]], [[Copilot and the Autocomplete Layer]]
Core claim
Python’s advantage is iteration speed, not maximal efficiency.
Reflective question
Which projects actually require maximum performance from day one?
signals
- Ecosystem depth outweighs runtime cost.
- Developer iteration is a competitive advantage.
- Tradeoffs are often about team speed.
- Tooling stability drives language choice.
my take
Most projects do not fail because of performance; they fail because of slow iteration and unclear feedback loops. Python optimizes for the latter.
- Speed: Iteration beats optimization early.
- Signal: Ecosystem depth wins adoption.
- Tradeoff: Performance can be deferred.
- Tooling: Stability equals productivity.
sources
Mostly Python - Why I'm still using Python
https://mostlypython.substack.com/p/why-im-still-using-python Why it matters: Primary argument and framing.
linkage
linkage tree
- tags
- #software
- #python
- #productivity
- related
- [[I Wrote a SQL Engine in Python]]
- [[Copilot and the Autocomplete Layer]]