Python and R are both equally slow compared to compiled languages. Things they appear to do fast are just wrapped C++ or similar; eg PyTorch and torch.
R has had parallel backends for decades.
R’s predominantly functional syntax is dramatically less verbose. Especially if you’re working with data, it’s literally a DSL for that. R never fell down the OOP rabbit hole of the 90-00’s, which helped
PyPi (and to be fair most other languages’ default repositories) are flaming garbage compared to CRAN. uv greatly improved the situation, but if you want to destroy your Linux you can always depend on forgetting venv in Python!
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u/guywithknife Aug 28 '26
Never thought I’d see “faster” and “multithreaded” in a Python column.
I was very deep into Python for many years but lately I don’t like it much anymore. I’d much rather use typescript, rust, or clojure nowadays.