I learned Python first. I saw Ruby as a "similar language, faster, more syntax-heavy, popular in Japan".
Python "won" because of Guido's focus on ease of use by non-programmers. A bunch of scientists used it to steer long-running computations in C, by binding the fast C math libraries with a Python frontend. Python was so easy to use that new scientists and interns could get started easily.
I don't know why Ruby has stalled out. Its "test first" culture and of course Ruby on Rails, and Chef, are all excellent.
I learned Python first. I saw Ruby as a "similar language, faster, more syntax-heavy, popular in Japan".
Python "won" because of Guido's focus on ease of use by non-programmers. A bunch of scientists used it to steer long-running computations in C, by binding the fast C math libraries with a Python frontend. Python was so easy to use that new scientists and interns could get started easily.
I don't know why Ruby has stalled out. Its "test first" culture and of course Ruby on Rails, and Chef, are all excellent.