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Guido van Rossum On Strong vs. Weak Typing
Bill Venners writes "In this interview, Java creator James Gosling says, 'There's a folk theorem out there that systems with very loose typing are very easy to build prototypes with. That may be true. But the leap from a prototype built that way to a real industrial strength system is pretty vast.' In this interview, Python creator Guido van Rossum responds with 'That attitude sounds like the classic thing I've always heard from strong-typing proponents. The one thing that troubles me is that all the focus is on the strong typing, as if once your program is type correct, it has no bugs left. Strong typing catches many bugs, but it also makes you focus too much on getting the types right and not enough on getting the rest of the program correct.'"
Whenever I type strongly my wife complains about the noise and asks that I type more quietly.
I know I spent hours chasing bugs that wouldn't have been possible in Java.
Wise man says, "If you shoot yourself in the foot, it's easier to solve the problem by being careful not to aim the gun at your foot than it is to make guns that don't point down."
For strong typing I recommend an old IBM-PS2 clicky keyboard. Those who are more inclined toward weak typing can stick with the Microsoft Natural keyboard.
My boss.
I have found there are just two ways to go.
It all comes down to livin' fast or dyin' slow. -REK, Jr.
Strong typing: Original IBM PC keyboard, requires effort, but very satisfying for coding, data entry, letter writing, or any other purpose requiring text. Your hands will get tired.
Dynamic typing: The old Apple adjustable keyboard or the IBM Butterfly laptop. Breaks easily, but may fit your hands better.
Weak typing: The Atari 400 membrane keyboard. Often too wimpy to handle adult hands.
Static typing: Keyboard has loose wiring and gives you an electric shock. Ouch!
sulli
RTFJ.