Is D an Underrated Programming Language?

Nerval's Lobster writes: While some programming languages achieved early success only to fall by the wayside (e.g., Delphi), one language that has quietly gained popularity is D, which now ranks 35 in the most recent Tiobe Index. Inspired by C++, D is a general-purpose systems and applications language that's similar to C and C++ in its syntax; it supports procedural, object-oriented, metaprogramming, concurrent and functional programming. D's syntax is simpler and more readable than C++, mainly because D creator Walter Bright developed several C and C++ compilers and is familiar with the subtleties of both languages. D's advocates argue that the language is well thought-out, avoiding many of the complexities encountered with modern C++ programming. So shouldn't it be more popular? The languages with the biggest gains this time around include JavaScript, PL/SQL, Perl, VB, and COBOL. (Yes, COBOL.) The biggest drops belonged to the six most popular languages: Objective-C, C, Java, C++, PHP, and C#.

Comments

Gotta react to the market

[Actually, I do RTFA]

D's syntax is simpler and more readable than C++,... so shouldn't it be more popular?

I guess the users of languages don't like readable, simple, or maintainable code.

The languages with the biggest gains this time around include JavaScript, PL/SQL, Perl, VB, and COBOL. (Yes, COBOL.)

Confirmation!

I think D

[Anonymous Coward]

is universally underrated. Everybody needs more D.

Re:Cute specs, call me when you turn 18.

[Anonymous Coward]

"We play both kinds of music. Country... and Western."

- The Blues Brothers

:D

[wcrowe]

Perhaps they should call it :D. At least it would seem more friendly.

Re:COBOL

[Mal-2]

When Chuck Norris throws an exception, it is always fatal.

If that isn't a hit to performance, nothing is.