[a0]

Good OCaml code is one of most readable in the category of static languages, I agree. But it's less "writable" than readable in my opinion. Of course you can get used to the syntax, but for me expressiveness and clarity of comprehension comes from both: simplicity of writing and reading.

Often I feel like there is a barrier between your thoughts and their execution which does not exist in Python or Ruby for example. When I switch from OCaml to Python it's like a breath of fresh air.

In conclusion I think common tasks must be syntactically abstractable. For example, I find working with standard data structures in OCaml annoying, as if I were programming in C. There are tons of syntax extensions for OCaml that try to fix these defects, but it only supports my claims.

[adultSwim]

Learning Python was certainly easier for me. I could really hit the ground running. OCaml had a much steeper learning curve. It took me a while to get used to the compiler and the different style of programming.

However, I'm a professional. Some of the powerful tools I use take a serious investment to learn. Here it paid off well.

Now I find that Python programs are easy to start but OCaml programs are easy to finish. The compiler is an invaluable helper that I miss when using other languages. Some syntax is clunkier than others but to me having good types (and a good compiler) makes or breaks a language. I can get my work done in anything but this is an area where the language really helps me out.