I'm not a scientist, but I think the answer would be orthogonal to why I (and probably many others) pick Python.
Is it tied to a single source?
No, many implementations exist and with the 2/3 split, the BDFL is weaker than ever (a good thing, overthrow all BDFLs).
Is it portable across platforms?
Yes. It runs anywhere C89 will.
Does it have a broad range of uses?
Yes. Already in largescale use for systems, web, administration scripting, game scripting, 3d applications, data modeling, game creation, crossplatform GUI applications including iOS/Android.
Is it easily maintainable?
Yes, as much as anything else. Nothing is a cure for the complexity issues at 500KLOC scale, not static typing, nothing.
Will it be around for a long time?
Since 1991, so likely in some form yes. The syntax has proven too popular with folks already. I'm considering creating own Pythonic language.
Is it popular, to get help easily and borrow code?
Yes. #3 on Github (practical comparison) and #5 on Tiobe (abstract comparison).
Is it tied to a single source?
No, many implementations exist and with the 2/3 split, the BDFL is weaker than ever (a good thing, overthrow all BDFLs).
Is it portable across platforms?
Yes. It runs anywhere C89 will.
Does it have a broad range of uses?
Yes. Already in largescale use for systems, web, administration scripting, game scripting, 3d applications, data modeling, game creation, crossplatform GUI applications including iOS/Android.
Is it easily maintainable?
Yes, as much as anything else. Nothing is a cure for the complexity issues at 500KLOC scale, not static typing, nothing.
Will it be around for a long time?
Since 1991, so likely in some form yes. The syntax has proven too popular with folks already. I'm considering creating own Pythonic language.
Is it popular, to get help easily and borrow code?
Yes. #3 on Github (practical comparison) and #5 on Tiobe (abstract comparison).