... (released in 1991). Yes, Perl is much older /s
Both Perl and Python are from the same generation, and both are active and both have their latest release in 2025. It is just that Python is more popular now.
The real reason is that besides losing in popularity, Perl is notoriously difficult to read, and yet has a huge existing code base, so I guess it is a good target for an AI parser.
I don't think that's what they mean by "Python" or "Perl". It sounds like they have a sizeable ancient Perl codebase that they want to replace with Python due to practical reasons. No one cares if Perl's first release was a couple of years before Python's. What matters is the company's ability to maintain and extend their codebase.
From what I've seen, one popular use of coding agents is to refactor code. Wouldn't it be easier to create a non-ai scanner, parser, translator for the perl codebase and let AI run and refactor it? At that point human devs can come in, look out for inefficiencies and tackle bugs on a nearly-functional codebase?
throwaway843•8mo ago
An example of a non hand wavy, actual not hyped use of 'AI'.
iforgotpassword•8mo ago
So they might have saved all that time, but what's gonna be the impact of incorrect reimplementation? What does that software do?
hyperhello•8mo ago
zach_miller•8mo ago
If the question is the former, though, unless it’s horrendously buggy then I wonder if the speed increase offsets the “buggier code” (if the code even is buggier) because if they finish early they can bug bash for longer.
iforgotpassword•8mo ago
potato3732842•8mo ago
zeroonetwothree•8mo ago
hedora•8mo ago
Also, why rewrite perl code in python? Those two languages have basically the same set of problems, assuming the perl code is doing banking stuff and not orchestrating GPUs.
If you’re going to pay for a rewrite, at least get some sort of high level improvement, like richer static typing.
I’d guess the goal is “python devs are cheaper than perl devs”? How long is the return on investment vs. site-licensing Learning Perl?
potato3732842•8mo ago
Because at some point it's no longer worthwhile to continue hacking up stuff build with the assumptions and best practices of 20yr ago and just want to write a new one that's built with today's assumptions and best practices and will be easier/cheaper for everyone who has to interact with for the next 20yr.