title: What's the best alternative to C++ for real-time graphics programming?
body: <p>C++ just sucks too much of my time by making me micro-manage my own memory, making me type far too much (hello <code>std::vector&lt;Thingy&gt;::const_iterator it = lotsOfThingys.begin()</code>), and boring me with long compile times.  What's the single best alternative for serious real-time graphics programming?  Garbage collection is a must (as is the ability to avoid its use when necessary), and speed must be competitive with C++.  A reasonable story for accessing C libs is also a must.</p>
  
  <p>(Full disclosure: I have my own answer to this, but I'm interested to see what others have found to be good alternatives to C++ for real-time graphics work.)</p>
  
  <p><strong>Edit:</strong> Thanks everyone for the thoughtful replies.  Given that there's really no "right" answer to this question I won't be selecting any particular answer.  Besides I'd just pick the language I happen to like as a C++ alternative, which wouldn't really be fair.</p>