I'm a big Python fan, but I've always wondered why LUA is so famous. I may give it a try...
I've tried to give an answer there :
http://programmers.stackexchange.com/questions/66590/why-python-and-not-luaBasically, LUA is born to be embedded, Python is not (even if it's possible). That makes lot of language design decisions Lua have as advantage in case you want to use an embedded scripting language in some embedded devices like smartphones or consoles, or even when you just want a scripting language that is really fast. Python cannot challenge Lua on this because it's not it's point. However Python is a far better alternative when you primary concern is code clarity or simplicity (that is really important for scripting when the one scripting isn't a day to day coder).
Personally, I prefer:
- Falcon for my "big" project: it's similar to Python or Ruby but it's made to be embedded in C++, making some decision close to lua.
- ChaiScript : when I have to put an embedded language in a little game or prototype. the language isn't Pythonic like Falcon is, but it's the easiest to embedd in C++.
- Lua when I work with high memory/speed constraints: On NintendoDS it runs fine and with really good speed. That said I don't like at all the too simplist lua syntax for projects that need more than calling functions. You can enhance the syntax but it's really not worth to me.
I never use Lua these days, so I guess Falcon and ChaiScript are my embedded languages of choice.
I like to work with Python for non-embedded work, like build system and other file manipulations.
That's why I don't understand the point of asking only for one choice in the poll. To me it always depends on the context.
Or is it that the question is only about the scripting language syntax?