Bayes : Python :: Frequentist : Perl

Bayesian statistics is to Python as frequentist statistics is to Perl.

Perl has the slogan “There’s more than one way to do it,” abbreviated TMTOWTDI and pronouced “tim toady.” Perl prides itself on variety.

Python takes the opposite approach. The Zen of Python says “There should be one — and preferably only one — obvious way to do it.” Python prides itself on consistency.

Frequentist statistics has a variety of approaches and criteria for various problems. Bayesian critics call this “adhockery.”

Bayesian statistics has one way to do everything: write down a likelihood function and prior distribution, then add data and compute a posterior distribution.