&gt; So, Python regexps are suddenly more readable, even though they need additional layer of backslashes?<p>Python encourages a style that makes less use of regexps. (And you don&#x27;t need extra backslashes, you can use r&#x27;...&#x27;).<p>&gt; And I hear about $_ and regexp literals as unique selling points (if I read your acronym correctly) only from people that don&#x27;t really write in Perl.<p>Nice ad hominem. Go on then - what&#x27;s your USP for Perl? Why should one use it over Python&#x2F;Ruby&#x2F;...?