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Lua vs Python

Updated April 19, 2023

Lua vs Python

Difference Between Lua vs Python

The following article provides an outline for Lua vs Python. The Lua and Python languages are similar, powerful, and scripting languages in the virtual application but both languages have some similarities and differences. The Lua and Python languages are compiling into byte code and run on a simulated machine or computer. The Lua and Python languages are multi-paradigm languages but used for different applications of the computer and other machines. The Lua language is using for embedded in the register-based simulated machine or virtual applications. The python language is using for general purpose web application in small and large projects.

Head to Head Comparison Between Lua vs Python (Infographics)

Below are the top 12 differences between Lua vs Python:

Lua-vs-Python-info

Key Difference Between Lua vs Python

Let us discuss some of the major key differences between Lua vs Python:

  • The Lua is based on a multi-paradigm but primarily focus on the scripting language. Python is based on a multi-paradigm but focuses on object-oriented language.
  • The Lua language is using for embedded code in a computer or virtual register-based machine. The Python language is using for creates web applications of the computer and parts of the virtual machines.
  • The Lua does not support inheritance but it implements using the Lua Meta table. The Python language inherits methods and properties of the other class.
  • The Lua is better for game development but python does not provide good support for mobile games and applications.
  • Lua is easier than the Python language but Python is popular and demanding language than the Lua language for beginners.
  • Python is a scripting language but it is heavy and slower than the Lua language but Lua is a light-weight, portable, and rapid execution language.

Lua vs Python Comparison Table

Let’s discuss the top comparison between Lua vs Python:

Lua Python
Base The Lua is a Multiparadigm language based on scripting language and used for the embedded code in the computer. Fast, high–level, and lightweight language. Python is a Multiparadigm based on object oriented language and used for the general-purpose application. Readable, high-level, and clear interpreted language.
Multiparadigm Scripting, functional, imperative. Object-oriented, structured, imperative, functional, and reflective.
Operating System The Lua supports the Cross-platform which is Linux, macOS, and Windows version operating system. The Python support Linux, macOS, and Windows version operating system.
File Extension Filename.lua Filename.py, .pyc, .pyd, .pyi, .pyo, .pyw, and .pyz.
Environment Setup The Lua programming language needed the following software for set up:

  • Text Editor: This is using for writing Lua source code and create a source file. These source files save with the .lua extension.
  • Lua Interpreter: If Lua wants to execute small command lines then Lua interpreter needed to execute. If the .lua file has an error then the command line not working or shows the error.
  • Lua Compiler: If an application needs to extend with other programming languages then a Lua compiler is needed. The compiler needs to compile a software development kit and work without error.

 

 The Python language has a variety of platforms to execute source code.

There is the following way to set up the software.

  • Local Software Setup: If a user can open the window of the computer and type the “python” keyword, then you can get installed software for coding. The platform is installed in your computer as per the windows version and computer compatible.
  • Python Documentation: The latest version of code, documentation, binaries available on python websites.

This website is:

https://www.python.org/

The python documentation is downloading from the original website:

https://www.python.org/doc/

  • The documentation is available in pdf, postscript, and HTML format.
  • Install python: The binary code applicable IDE download and install on your computer.
  • Setting the Python IDE path in the windows directory.
IDE Windows/ Linux/ MacOS: ZeroBrane Studio.

Only Windows: SciTE.

 Windows/ Linux/ MacOS: Python IDLE, pyCharm, and Eclipse.
Syntax The Lue syntax is easy, readable, and does not need a semicolon to separate the statements.

print(“Hello Lua programmer!”)

 The python syntax is easy and does not need curly brackets and semicolons for coding.

print(“Hello Python programmer”)
Control Flow The Lua has four loops for control the algorithm and coding logic.

  • The “while” loop.
  • The “repeat” loop.
  • The numeric “for” loop.
  • The generic for loop or nested loop.

The Lua has a control statement for control the loop.

  • The “break” statement.
 Python has a loop to control the algorithm and coding logic.

  • The “for” loop.
  • The “while” loop.
  • The “nested” loop.

The Python has control statements for control the loop.

  • The “break” statement.
  • The “continue” statement.
  • The “pass” statement.
Operators The Lua uses types of operators:

  • Arithmetic operators.
  • Relational operators.
  • Logical operators.
  • Miscellaneous operators.

 

 Python uses types of operators:

  • Arithmetic operators.
  • Relational operators.
  • Assignment operators.
  • Logical operators.
  • Bitwise operators.
  • Membership operators.
  • Identity operators.
Advantages
  • The easy and simple syntax to the Lua programming. Easy to learn the language for beginners.
  • The easy integrated with C and C++ language. It is an extremely portable language because of the ASCI C compiler.
  • Easy to embed in the register-based machine.
  • Rapid for development and execution.
  • The easy, clean, and simple syntax to the python programming. Good for beginners as a programmer.
  • The interpreters with the most popular languages like Java, dot net, microcontroller.
  • The python language has used any domain like a web application, machine learning, etc.
Disadvantages
  • Confuse to declare variable type when working on a large scale program or similar variable name.
  • Some object-oriented concepts not working with other programming languages.
  • The Lua does not support inheritance in coding while we have to use the Meta table.
  • The python language is not supported properly for mobile applications.
  • Difficult to debug other’s code.
  • The impact of performance because of limited to functional programming.
Applications The Lua language is useful for the following applications:

  • Game development
  • 3D Animation
  • Adobe photoshop lightroom
  • Apache HTTP server for request process
  • Hard disk recorder
 The python language is useful for the following applications:

  • Graphics
  • Animation
  • Web development
  • Machine learning
  • Data science

Conclusion

The Lua and Python both have similarities and differences as per the coding algorithm and their features. The Lua and Python have their priorities, uses, and application as per the industrial requirement. The Lua and python are easy, light-weight, and multiple paradigm languages.

Recommended Articles

This is a guide to Lua vs Python. Here we discuss the Lua vs Python key differences with infographics and comparison table respectively. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –

  1. Python vs C#
  2. Python vs Ruby
  3. Python vs Scala
  4. Python vs Go
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