---
title: "Putting The Brakes On Python"
canonical: https://www.ianlurie.com/writing/putting-the-brakes-on-python/
date: 2020-02-05
category: "SEO"
description: "Python is a fantastic SEO tool, until it breaks your heart. Tools are tools and you need to pick your battles. Ask yourself these questions before you code."
---
I write a **lot** of Python “code.” I put “code” in “quotes” because what I write would make any respectable programmer stab their own eyes out with weenie forks. But a few lines of code goes a long way when you’re trying to generate 5,000 description tags or optimize ads, trust me.

So I say to you: Python is neato. It’s helpful. It pumps up your nerd pectorals.

But it doesn’t automatically make you a better SEO. And it’s a trap. For every Python-inspired victory dance, there’s a five-hour coding jag that leaves me curled up with my cats, sobbing uncontrollably.

If you’re considering writing a script to automate some oh-so-dull SEO task, you need to do the math:

Tc = Time to code  
Ts = Time saved  
Ta = Times you will use this code again  

If

Ta \* Ts < Tc

Then you’re not coding for efficiency. You can still code for fun or to learn, but don’t expect a direct payoff.

Learning Python will help you out. You’ll understand:

-   The potential power of a few lines of code
-   Why developers push back on “simple” requests from the marketing team
-   How computers “think” about syntax, types of data, and resources
-   The importance of caffeinated beverages and electronica

I highly recommend dabbling. But tools are tools. Before you spend time on that Python script, ask yourself:

-   Am I coding for efficiency, or for fun? Either one’s fine, but be honest with yourself
-   Can I do the same thing with VLOOKUP? Folks talk about Python’s power as a data consolidator. They’re right – it’s wonderful. But Excel ain’t too shabby, either
-   Do I have software that already performs this task for me? Too often, we don’t know the tools we’ve got. Spend ten minutes learning Screaming Frog, for example, and you’ll save yourself a lot of indent-related headaches.

Otherwise, you may spend a lot of time coding and less time marketing. You have been warned.