Wikipedia Chooses Lua As Its New Template Language

bonch writes "In an attempt to tackle the inefficient complexity of its current template system, Wikipedia will be adopting the Lua scripting language. Known most for its use in videogame scripting, particularly World of Warcraft, Lua is lightweight and designed for easy integration into existing applications. The transition is expected to begin after the release of MediaWiki 1.19, possibly in May." Basically, the template system started turning into an ugly programming language. There was debate over using Javascript or Lua; Lua ultimately won due to implementation concerns. The mailing list threads announcing the decision and discussing the change have further details.

Comments

As opposed to a Wordpress style engine?

[PortHaven]

Seriously, Wikipedia's #1 fault and the reason I ceased actively contributing is that it requires humans to use a mark-up language for what is essentially a simple text based document.

And all such edits would be handled much easier via a WYSWIG editor. Yes, elitist monkeys with far too much time on their hands love that feel of doing something complicated for the sake of it.

Those more intelligent and or beings who have furthered the race through reproduction tend not to want to waste time.

Implement a simple editor that facilitates editing. And let computers do what they do best, process. And humans do what they do best collate ideas and knowledge.

First rule of computers. Don't waste time doing what a computer can do better than you.

Re:Stop delaying the inevitable.

[David Gerard]

The trouble with domain-specific languages is that they are Turing complete. This is a fatal trap: your hammer may be a great hammer, but if it's Turing-complete you will (this is a law of the universe) one day be forced to use it as a screwdriver, spanner, soda siphon, and nail. You will end up having to build a working full-scale replica of the Titanic from toothpicks and spit, complete with iceberg.

Your rule is more like - any domain-specific language will eventually evolve into brainfuck. ParserFunctions certainly did.