[frozenport]

I would go with C/C++ as the ways to address performance are well studied. There are many tools out there like callgrind or nvvp that will make it pain-free.

I can narrow down performance in C/C++ quite quickly, but neither I nor anybody I know has done much of this for Python. Many people who I work with consider a Python implementation a prototype, while Fortran/C/C++ is mature real code worthy of attention.

The only real downside is that C/C++ requires a little knowledge of the POSIX/LINUX or Windows. This represents a learning curve, but when you are over it, it represents quite durable long lasting skills.

[skriticos2]

I think from the development effort a more sensible approach is to build the whole thing in Python, then profile your application and find the performance bottlenecks. Then get your hands a little dirty with the Python C API. This way you can gain good performance without wasting too much time.

http://docs.python.org/3/extending/extending.html

http://docs.python.org/3/c-api/index.html

[winter_blue]

> Fortran/C/C++ is mature real code worthy of attention

Just be prepared for Drew Houston, Paul Graham et al. to come after you whipping their lashes.. (tongue in cheek)

[frozenport]

I'm not scared of a man who speak with a Lisp!