C++ vs. Python + C++

Is combination of Python and C++ justifiable?

Probably yes.

UI component

• pro Python -- compatible with pythonic 'LM combination and evaluation'
• pro Python -- easier writing -- PyQt4
• pro Python -- it seems not to be rare concept Rapid GUI Programming with Python and Qt (book)
• con Python -- unnecessary wrapping of Qt
• con Python -- component unusable within C++ Qt
• con C++ -- needs MOC (Meta Object Compiler) for Qt
• con C++ -- worse binary portability (the burden is transposed onto PyQt)

LM combination + evaluation

• pro Python -- existing parts in Python
• pro Python -- faster prototyping (includes memory management + standard maths library)

Large LM

• con Python -- slower and less memory effective (just guess, unverified)
• pro C++ existing LMs (SRI LM, KenLM, IRST LM)