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copied!<p>Why don't you ask the converse question? Unlike C++, Python can give you <a href="http://xkcd.com/353/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">antigravity</a> and summon <a href="http://xkcd.com/413/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">souls</a> via its <code>import</code> command. On the other hand, C++'s 'equivalent' -- <code>#include</code> -- only allows you to get some boring I/O and math libraries.</p> <p>Seriously though.. C++ allows you to do more low-level stuff e.g. kernel programming, and allows you to write programs that run much faster (<em>approximately</em> ~20x). <strike>You can use it to create real threads that can take advantage of multiple-cored processors, while Python (<a href="http://jessenoller.com/2009/02/01/python-threads-and-the-global-interpreter-lock/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">due to its design</a>) can generally only run its simulated threads on a single core.</strike></p> <p>IMHO you should learn both; Python for web development and quick-and-dirty scripts, C++ to write systems code, desktop applications, as well as to have a better low-level understanding of the computer. If you're just starting out, then Python; it's much easier to begin with.</p> <p>More concrete measurements on the speed difference can be found <a href="http://shootout.alioth.debian.org/u32q/benchmark.php?test=all&lang=python3&lang2=gpp&box=1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here.</a></p> <p><b>Edit:</b> Seems like my information on multi-threading is out of date; see John Paulett's comment.</p>

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