I'm exactly the same way about Perl vs Python. After years of using Perl 5 and due to what I also think is the simplicity of the language, I know I could do most small tasks more easily in Perl.
But Python feels more like "the future". When I need to write a script-like solution, I reach for Python because I need to practice with it and because I figure that the modules will be better maintained. You're right, though. I always need to look up simple things like system calls and often have to remind myself of exactly how the re module works.
But I slog through it. Don't get me started on the Python 2 -> 3 glacial migration, though. That almost makes me want to switch back to writing my scripts in Ruby.
But Python feels more like "the future". When I need to write a script-like solution, I reach for Python because I need to practice with it and because I figure that the modules will be better maintained. You're right, though. I always need to look up simple things like system calls and often have to remind myself of exactly how the re module works.
But I slog through it. Don't get me started on the Python 2 -> 3 glacial migration, though. That almost makes me want to switch back to writing my scripts in Ruby.