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Inside Microsoft's New F# Language

robyn217 writes "There's a new language being formed in the bowels of Microsoft. Recently I got word that the language F# (pronounced F Sharp) is nearing workable stages at Microsoft Research. So, I went in for a look-see. What I found was an interesting blend of imperative (Java, C#) and functional languages(it's ML-based, too!). It looks pretty enticing to me from a computer science perspective, but I'm not sure it would fly in the professional market. I can see the ease of development that a language loosely based on ML would bring, but I can't see coders switching over in droves since it's a tough learning curve." Our previous story on F#.

16 of 606 comments (clear)

  1. That's how I feel about most Microsoft languages by The+Lord+of+Chaos · · Score: 5, Funny

    F#ing Visual C++
    F#ing VB.
    F#ing Win32 API

  2. Yes !!! by dago · · Score: 4, Funny

    I knew that someday Fortran will make its comeback and becomes the all mighty programming language !!!

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    #include "coucou.h"
  3. Figures... by da3dAlus · · Score: 4, Funny

    I usually use an F#-word or two when dealing with one of Microsoft's programming languages. This is great for marketing "See, everyone's shouting praises of F(sharp)!".

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    Sometimes I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion.
  4. F sharp or F hash? by SomethingOrOther · · Score: 4, Funny

    Heh
    In the UK we call that square thingy a hash

    Do you think C hash has done well here :-P Will F hash do any better?

    (Or does "making a hash of it" get lost in the translation?)

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  5. We have been working with it for a while. by ayjay29 · · Score: 5, Funny

    When developing for windoes "Microsoft F#&%", or "F#&%*!? .net" is the most common language our team uses.

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  6. Gee Flat by snatchitup · · Score: 5, Funny

    Do you relize that an F# major has 6 sharps.

    But, an F# is the same as a Gb (G flat) which has as 6 flats.

    Now the C# scale has 7 sharps, but it's the same as a Db (D flat) which only has 5 flats.

    Most people think (D flat) instead of C#.

    F# is a very bright scale. It sounds very nice on an Alto Saxophone, whereas the C# scale is a little more moody, depressed.

    Maybe Microsoft is trying to back off the use of C#.

  7. Microsoft Attempt to Own the RIAA by dduardo · · Score: 5, Funny

    If they can patent/trademark/copyright all the notes used in music, they will be able to own the RIAA.

    The have: C#,F#
    Left: A,A#,B,C,D,D#,E,F,G,G#

    Can't wait for the other 10 programming languages

  8. Re:What will they do? by NeoSkandranon · · Score: 4, Funny

    No, they'll go A through G, then start making chords and arpeggios.

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    If you can't see the value in jet powered ants you should turn in your nerd card. - Dunbal (464142)
  9. Re:What will they do? by RayOfLight · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... the drive letters team is (still) working this one out.

  10. Re:What will they do? by BigJimSlade · · Score: 4, Funny
    What will MS do when they run out of letters in the alphabet for their language du jour?

    In newer versions of .NET, you will be able to mount new languages underneath the old language:
    C#:\NewLanguage
    This will eliminate the need for the old "Lettered Language" scheme that has haunted us since the DOS era. It will be revolutionary!
  11. After reading this article... by Shant3030 · · Score: 4, Funny

    I strongly suggest that Microsoft stick to making operat...(um), office pro..., (no thats not it...), web brow...(nope), how about video game...(nah)..., programming platfor...(not it either)...

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    100% Insightful
    1. Re:After reading this article... by alexjohns · · Score: 4, Funny

      They make pretty good Mice and Keyboards.

  12. Re:F? by jgerman · · Score: 4, Funny

    We call that the monetary unit soon to be known as the Euro.

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  13. # == Hash by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Microsoft says it:

    F#ism is finally back in F#ion.

    I guess this means all Microsoft programmers are F#ists.

    Oh well, they're only in it for the C# anyway.

  14. Re:Gee C# was so flawed that its already supercede by swb · · Score: 4, Funny

    And computing is so fundamentally simple. Its a game of N-Dimensional topology bounded by finite vectors in every dimension. There's no mystery involved. You just need to maintain a meta-model of the system and you can generate the rest.

    Christ, if that's simple, I'd hate to hear you describe complicated.

  15. The process now understood by carlos_benj · · Score: 5, Funny

    There's a new language being formed in the bowels of Microsoft.

    This may help explain Microsofts process for developing new software. How are things "formed in the bowels" anyway? A simple understanding is that good stuff is essentially chewed to pieces and then deconstructed in an acidic bath. Once the good stuff reaches the bowels then an attempt is made to remove everything that is of value. Once that has been accomplished we are, I suppose, left with a Microsoft product that is ready to (careful here now) ship (Whew! Now that was one major Freudian slip just waiting to happen....).

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