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Python has 5 implementations listed on their homepage:

  • Python / CPython
  • IronPython
  • PyPy
  • Jython
  • Stackless Python*

When considered against languages such as PHP or even Java that seems like a lot of variety not seen elsewhere. Yes there's different compilers available for C/C++ but for a popular interpreted language this variety seems unique.

It would appear many of the implementations are still on the 2.7.x branch, so I might surmise that this has slowed adoption of the 3.0.x series (along with backwards incompatible changes).

So, how has having multiple implementations affected Python as a language?

[1] Stackless python is a branch, not a different implementation, but you see what I'm going for

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Ruby has several different implementations too. IronPython and Jython target different runtime platforms (integration with a wider eco system, combine Jython and Java libraries, or IronPython and .NET), PyPy and Stackless explore widely different implementation options with huge advantages in certain areas. – Martijn Pieters Feb 18 at 8:31
But as it stands this question is hardly answerable in a constructive manner. – Martijn Pieters Feb 18 at 8:31
PHP has three implementations: Zend Engine, P8 and Quercus. Java has several dozen implementations, some of the more well-known are Oracle OpenJDK, GNU GCJ/ClassPath, IBM J9, Oracle JRockit, Excelsior JET, Oracle KVM, Oracle Squawk, Jikes RVM. Ruby has MRI, YARV, Rubinius, IronRuby, JRuby, MacRuby, MagLev, MRuby. JavaScript has Google V8, Mozilla IonMonkey, Apple SquirrelFish Extreme, MS Chakra, Opera Carakan, Narcissus, Nashorn etc. And I'm pretty sure JavaScript counts as a "popular interpreted language". – Jörg W Mittag Feb 18 at 12:02

closed as not constructive by Bryan Oakley, gnat, dietbuddha, Martijn Pieters, ChrisF♦ Feb 18 at 9:28

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