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Does Company-Wide Language "Standardization" Work?

Posted by Cliff on from the one-language-to-bind-them dept.

RMX asks: "In our company, we're currently going through the debate of standardizing on a computer language for our next set of products. The pro-standardization guys say that a single language (like Java) will save everyone time. The anti-standardization guys are advocating a mixed environment (of languages like Python, Ruby, and C#), and argue that the whole discussion is as silly as a manufacturing firm standardizing on screwdrivers for all their screw/nail/glue fastening needs. Have any of your companies standardized on a language? How well did it go?"

3 of 654 comments (clear)

  1. I just read a blog article on what Google does: by John+Harrison · · Score: 5, Informative

    http://panela.blog-city.com/python_at_google_greg_ stein__sdforum.htm discusses the fact that Google has three official languages: c++, Java, and Python. It then goes into some detail about the use of Python at Google. It is a worthwhile read.

    --
    Lasers Controlled Games!
  2. Re:Pondering further by Bushcat · · Score: 3, Informative
    The World RPS Society at www.worldrps.com should be able to help you with this. To quote, "RPS enthusiasts will also learn advanced strategies, crucial for those playing above the level of the recreation player, which throws are illegal and (because RPS is very dull when played alone)..."

    And, of course, "Think twice before using RPS for life-threatening decisions."

  3. Re:Solutions Should Be Natural by 16K+Ram+Pack · · Score: 3, Informative
    In my experience, I'd rather steer clear of such programmers.

    I've had to debug hideous code because developers decided to make use of a technology just to boost their CVs. Programs mixing ADO and DAO because someone added some code and thought they'd try out ADO (even though having consistency in the same program was more important).

    My favourite programmers are those who concentrate on delivery. They keep an eye on what's around the corner, but at the same time, have a balanced view of using new tech over old. They get the job done because they have been using the same tools and methods for so long that they know how to handle certain issues, and coding it is almost second nature. Which means that they are more focussed on things like getting the business requirements right.