What are the main differences from Python and Serpent?

Question

Serpent looks quite similar to Python. What behaviors or syntax would be on your list to warn other Serpent developers about?

Answer 1

While Serpent uses a syntax very similar to Python, there are some important differences to be aware of:

• Python numbers have potentially unlimited size, Serpent numbers wrap around 2^256. For example, in Serpent the expression 3^(2^254) surprisingly evaluates to 1, even though in reality the actual integer is too large to be recorded in its entirety within the universe.
• Serpent has no decimals.
• Serpent has no list comprehensions (expressions like [x**2 for x in my_list]), dictionaries or most other advanced features
• Serpent has no concept of first-class functions. Contracts do have functions, and can call their own functions, but variables (except storage) do not persist across calls.
• Serpent has a concept of persistent storage variables.
• Serpent has an extern statement used to call functions from other contracts.

From Serpent wiki: Differences Between Serpent and Python