Python is actually widely used in scientific community, guys working on data analysis from CERN LHC are heavily relying on Python + NumPy + SciPy for their work as well.
It's easy to learn and makes data analysis really easy with "batteries included" approach (and costs way less than often problematic and buggy MatLab on Linux).
It's easy to learn and makes data analysis really easy with "batteries included" approach (and costs way less than often problematic and buggy MatLab on Linux).