Hi Sam
In general, I have found Python lot more easier and user friendly than C++ further Python is very readable, is a scripted language - needs no compilation, easier to debug as it has an interactive interface, it allows for room for easy bindings from other languages ( Jython, PyOpenGL, PyQt etc) and it conforms to all sorts of Open-Source development (well ! ..... very nearly :) ) .
However, C++/Java seems to be lot more useful in robot/ embedded development/ robot-simulation.
Answering your questions.
1 - I guess every new age Robotics has a Python component (i.e. Player Stage, Pyro etc)
2 - Majority of tutorials would probably in C++. C++ and Java are the HOT languages for Robot Developers, further the Boost Library in C++ helps in advanced development.
3 - IDE, well that is debatable ! .... one may not really need an IDE in python as it is a scripted language ( and thus everything already happens 'on the fly' ) why complicate it with an IDE ! ...
4 - Don't know about this one ! ...sorry
5 - Python has threads, and it can be used for real-time structuring
By the way ! ..... I am no Guru, don't get back at me if some Python/ROS guru has any different opinions !
Regards
Arkapravo
I know C++, but Python is new to me. It seems like it would be fun to learn Python.
Please talk me in or out of using Python!
1- What justifies using Python in ROS?
2- Are the majority of tutorials in Python or C++?
3- I notice that if one wants to use an IDE, Eclipse and Code:Blocks are suggested in the ROS wiki along with how to create an ROS package in Code:Blocks......but I see nothing like this for Python......what is a suggested IDE for Python?
4- Looking towards future robot-building tools integration, does Python support possibilities of using ROS+Orocos+OpenCV+Gazebo......C++ can be used with Orocos, but can Python?
5- I know C++ can be used for real-time action due to its speed, but can Python?
Thanks.
SamQ