Ruby and Python

[K.I.L.E.R]

Been using Python for my work (scientific computing (ala number crunching)) but Ruby looks very promising.

Performance wise, which is better for what I do?

What about other things such as mock up of games and GUIs, is Ruby better than Python in terms of features and built in libraries for those purposes?

 

[Zengar]

Python is about 2-3 times faster then Ruby(http://shootout.alioth.debian.org/gp4/benchmark.php?test=all&lang=all), with Psyco you should get near C-performance for scientific computing.

 

[Saem]

Compared to python, ruby is rather immature, especially from a library stand point, and possibly more so in terms of VMs.

On a language level, I find I think less about Ruby when programming Ruby, but it the code seems dirtier, while in Python, I feel awkward on occasion.

 

[Snyder]

I haven't programmed in Ruby yet, but especially for quick'n'dirty game prototypes, pygame for Python is a very nice library.

BTW (and sorry for the OT): Why do all those (relatively) new "scripting" languages still go for implicit variable declaration?

 

[corysama]

Ruby is a great languge for people looking for simplicity, flexibily and powerful text processing, but number crunching speed is not one of its strong points. You are probably better off sticking with Python.

Have you checked out Numerical Python?
http://numpy.scipy.org/