I've been programming for about three months now and have really enjoyed using Python, particularly for creating CLI tools and APIs. However, I find that Python isn't the best fit for CLI tools due to performance issues—it's noticeably slower compared to what I'm looking for. I tried Rust, but it's a bit too complex for me right now. I also gave Golang a shot with the Cobra library, but it didn't quite click with me either. I've been considering Zig, but I'm worried about its limited resources since it's a newer language. What other languages do you recommend for building CLI tools that are fast and well-supported?
5 Answers
Have you also considered using Node.js? It can handle CLI stuff quite efficiently and has good support for building tools quickly. Plus, it might be a refreshing change if you're getting into different languages.
Honestly, while Python is a favorite of mine for CLI tools due to its libraries like argparse, I get why the speed would bug you. Have you thought about C or C++? They might be a bit tricky but offer great performance and tons of resources. They can be simple once you get the hang of them!
I totally understand your frustrations with Python's speed for CLI tools. Go could be a solid option too! It's fast and its syntax is more readable than C. But it really depends on personal preference.
Yeah, I get that Go has its advantages, just couldn't vibe with it. I'm leaning more towards exploring C and maybe giving it a solid try.
Zig is interesting, but you're right to worry a bit about resources since it's new. Many people suggest C++ for its rich ecosystem. Just remember, these languages might not be beginner-friendly at first. But you could find some great libraries that can save you a ton of work.
I appreciate the heads-up! C++ does seem to have lots of support and might be the way to go for a project.
For CLI tools, you really can use almost any language. Just pick one you enjoy! Even JavaScript can do great CLI apps; it all comes down to what fits your style and needs.
I see your point! C has a bit of a learning curve but once you tackle that, the performance is incredible. Plus, for some tasks, you can really speed things up compared to Python.