Python or PHP for small windows administration scripts?

Question

I'm choosing between these two languages, in contrast to another question here. My program going to be set of scripts checking files, free space, checking that apps are running etc. and writing information to database. Then PHP web page will show results.

Python have more examples of winapi calls (at least at StackOverflow) and more attractive to learn and use in different areas of programming, but I didn't use it before. With PHP I have small experience and I will be using it for results web page anyway.

PHP seems to be easier to install on network (to use one network installation for many workstations). Both languages can work with COM objects (I will need ADO).

Scripts will be small, not complex, but their number will grow.

Can someone with experience in similar tasks advise on choice between these two?

Answer 1

Don't shrink from using a language just because you haven't used it before. Learning a new language is one of ways to expand your overall capabilities as a programmer. True, you won't be as productive with it at first but learning how the language tackles common problems (manipulation of data structures, creation and lifetime of objects, etc.) will teach you new ways to think about computing.

That said, I would suggest you use the ActiveState version of Python (http://www.activestate.com/). It has the Windows integration included. I'm not sure about network install with Python. I've installed it across a net by running a remote desktop of the target and running the installer. Windows wants things registered in the registry so running a language is not like running an .exe sitting on a remote file share.

Answer 2

I asked question first time as anonymous so have no other option to reply now except to write an answer.

Thank you verisimilidude for ActivePython advice!

About learning - I understand that new language is good, but sometimes we need a tradeoff between our interest and time of development. From one side I don't want to use my old good Delphi for small scripts (because I need scripts, not compiles each time), from another can't invest a lot of time just to learn something new in data manipulation.