I'm a .NET Programmer. What are specific uses of Python and/or Ruby for that will make me more productive?

Question

I recall when I first read Pragmatic Programmer that they suggested using scripting languages to make you a more productive programmer.

I am in a quandary putting this into practice.

I want to know specific ways that using Python or Ruby can make me a more productive .NET developer.

One specific way per answer, and even better if you can say whether I could use Python or Ruby or Both for it.

See standard format below.

Answer 1

IronPython / IronRuby

IronPython in Action will do a better job explaining this (and exactly how best to use IronPython) that can possibly be accommodated in a SO answer. I'm biased -- I was a tech reviewer and am a friend of one of the authors -- but objectively think it's a great book. (No idea if IronRuby is blessed with a similarly wonderful book, yet).

As you want "one specific way per answer" (incompatible with SO, which STRONGLY discourages a poster posting 25 different answers if they have 25 "specific ways" to indicate...!-): prototyping in order to explore some specific assembly or collection thereof that you're unfamiliar with (to check if you've understood their docs right and how to perform certain tasks) is an order of magnitude more productive in IronPython than in C#, as you can explore interactively and compilation is instantaneous and as-needed. (Have not tried IronRuby but I'll assume it can work in a roughly equivalent way and speed).

Answer 2

Less Code

I think productivity is direct result on how proficient you are in a specific language. That said the terseness of a language like Python might save some time on getting certain things done.

If I compare how much less code I have to write for simple administration scripts (e.g. clean-up of old files) compared to .NET code there is certain amount of productivity gain. (Plus it is more fun which also helps getting the job done)