title: Use of eval in Python, MATLAB, etc
body: <p>I do know that one shouldn't use <code>eval</code>. For all the obvious reasons (performance, maintainability, etc.). My question is more on the side – is there a legitimate use for it? Where one should use it rather than implement the code in another way.</p>
  
  <p>Since it is implemented in several languages and can lead to bad programming style, I assume there is a reason why it's still available.</p>