Re: Programming careers

Aahz Maruch <aahz@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

In article <1hziwlb.1ctslbr1708b09N%spam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
Jonathan L Cunningham <spam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Except that it's possible to define new syntax in libraries. So
"matches" is a syntax word (I think, I'd have to check, it might be a
"syntax operator" - or even an ordinary operator) but it's not an
essential part of the core language.

Heh. Whereas Guido is quite adamant that nothing like macros will ever
get into Python. It's a design decision that a few people keep whining
about, but most people are extremely happy with.

It's its AI heritage.

Traditionally, in AI research, when you can't solve a problem you design
and implement a new language, which (you claim) will make it easier for
the next researcher the solve it (the problem).

In case that's not clear, you can apply the same principle to starship
design. If you are not quite sure how to build a warp drive, go ahead
and design your starship anyway: it's important to get the crew's
quarters right, the galley, the rest rooms ... and it makes it much
clearer where the warp drive is supposed to go.

OTOH, the Python approach is to make sure the programmer's hands are
tied behind her back, and then put a paintbrush between her teeth so she
can tap out her program on the keyboard with it. This makes sure she
doesn't waste her time designing starship rest rooms.

Different programming languages have different strengths and weaknesses.

None of the above is true. There are *good* reasons to write macros, and
there are bad reasons. And there are good reasons not to use them - and
there are *bad* reasons not to use them.

One bad reason is that the language doesn't let you, even when it would
be a good idea.

I'm *very* firmly of the opinion that every programming language should
have a "goto" statement -- and that you should never use it.

Jonathan

--
"I think too much - therefore I am mad!"
Agatha Clay playing Lucrezia Mongfish.
.

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