Python vs Smalltalk: What are the differences?

Introduction

Python and Smalltalk are both programming languages that have their own unique features and characteristics. In this comparison, we will highlight the key differences between Python and Smalltalk.

1. Syntax: Python has a procedural syntax similar to other popular programming languages like C++ or Java, whereas Smalltalk uses a purely object-oriented syntax with everything being an object, including classes and functions. This fundamental difference in syntax makes Smalltalk more consistent and easier to understand for object-oriented programming enthusiasts.

2. Interpretation vs Compilation: Python code is interpreted at runtime, which means that the code is executed line by line, allowing for quick prototyping and debugging. On the other hand, Smalltalk code is compiled into bytecode, which offers better performance and optimizations. However, this compilation step can make Smalltalk programs take longer to start and can complicate the development process.

3. Hardware Dependency: Python is a high-level programming language that is designed to be platform independent. It abstracts away many of the hardware-specific details, allowing the same code to run on different operating systems. Smalltalk, on the other hand, is more closely tied to the underlying hardware and operating system, making it less portable and requiring more effort to make it work on different platforms.

4. Community and Libraries: Python has a large and active community that has contributed to the development of numerous libraries and frameworks, making it easy to find existing solutions for different tasks. Smalltalk, although less popular, still has an active community but with a smaller selection of libraries and frameworks. This can make it more challenging to find ready-made solutions for specific needs in Smalltalk.

5. Tooling and IDEs: Python has a wide range of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and tools available, such as PyCharm, Anaconda, and Jupyter Notebook, providing developers with a variety of choices. Smalltalk, on the other hand, has its own dedicated development environment, like the Pharo IDE, which offers a unique development experience but may be less familiar to developers coming from other programming languages.

6. Usage: Python is a versatile language that can be used for a wide range of applications, including web development, data analysis, machine learning, and more. It is often the language of choice for these domains due to its extensive library ecosystem. Smalltalk, on the other hand, is less commonly used and is often associated with specific domains such as educational programming and language research.

In summary, Python and Smalltalk differ in terms of syntax, interpretation vs compilation, hardware dependency, community and libraries, tooling and IDEs, and usage. These differences make each language better suited for different purposes and cater to different programming paradigms.