python_main

Python

It is a scripted language, so it can be quickly written and tested.
It has powerful data structures and operators that can simply and consisely perform complex tasks.
Scientific libraries are usually written in C or Fortran and then wrapped in Python.
Many standard scientific libraries are available.
Complex computations run at the speed of compiled C code rather than interpreted code.
Software is available that automatically wraps existing C and Fortran code.
Most functions in Matlab and IDL are available in Python.
No licensing fees simplify the sharing of code.