[bloblaw]

When I statically compile a C++ or Go binary, I end up with something I can copy and execute on any platform for which it was compiled for.

Single file. Copy and run.

Virtualenvs require every single target to reproduce your dev environment:

(1) have internet access and able to reach pypi (or artifactory, or whatever you use).

(2) the ability to install the required version of Python if it isn't already installed. That's another 30mb download.

Ever want to run a complex Python script on a bastion host or a host behind a bastion? Well now #1 and #2 above won't work (or haven't in my direct experience working for some of the big cloud companies). So you have to use something like PyInstaller and hope it works. It might. It might not. A statically compiled C++ binary or Go binary probably will.

This thread is full of pain points in python package management. The first step is admitting there is a problem. I don't think you've experienced the pain caused by Python package managers that others outline in this thread.

[okasaki]

I mean in the sense that you're bundling your dependencies with your program. This is well established, Python isn't special.

Obviously Python is (usually) an interpreted language, so you're going to need Python on user system. If that's a problem Python might not be for you, or you're going to need to do some extra work.

It can be done. For example the popular visual novel software Ren'Py is written in Python.