To say that he's a fool is pretty harsh. Maybe 'whiner' would be more generous. And who doesn't like to whine once in a while? Also, some people just like to think that they're better than others. We all need an ego boost sometimes, but using Linux and g++ doesn't make one a programming god, or even a real codegeek. That takes something called skill =)
Portability should theoretically obliviate problems with multi-platform compiles. Write in valid ANSI C++ like you're supposed to, and you should be golden. Otherwise, what the hell good is a standard?! If the guy wants to use platform-specific calls to show off, then I'd call him a fool. I do agree with the other sentiment that having to compile across multiple platforms makes you more sensitive to portability issues. Knowing more than one platform, like being multi-lingual (I mean natural languages), broadens your mind and makes you aware of issues you weren't previously. No dogma.
To be honest, I don't like g++ or Visual C++ all that much (mostly for UI issues or retarded error messages), but that's because I cut my teeth on a compiler with a text-based IDE, Borland C++ 3.1, which I fell in love with. Sometimes I still miss it, but you know, the as long as the code compiles right, I can't complain -- too much.
Knowing how to use vi is a status thing, like being able to code down to the bare metal of the machine, sacrificing a pretty interface with power, making one rely on his skill to not screw up. Why else would anyone bother to learn it? =)
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To say that he's a fool is pretty harsh. Maybe 'whiner' would be more generous. And who doesn't like to whine once in a while? Also, some people just like to think that they're better than others. We all need an ego boost sometimes, but using Linux and g++ doesn't make one a programming god, or even a real codegeek. That takes something called skill =)
Portability should theoretically obliviate problems with multi-platform compiles. Write in valid ANSI C++ like you're supposed to, and you should be golden. Otherwise, what the hell good is a standard?! If the guy wants to use platform-specific calls to show off, then I'd call him a fool. I do agree with the other sentiment that having to compile across multiple platforms makes you more sensitive to portability issues. Knowing more than one platform, like being multi-lingual (I mean natural languages), broadens your mind and makes you aware of issues you weren't previously. No dogma.
To be honest, I don't like g++ or Visual C++ all that much (mostly for UI issues or retarded error messages), but that's because I cut my teeth on a compiler with a text-based IDE, Borland C++ 3.1, which I fell in love with. Sometimes I still miss it, but you know, the as long as the code compiles right, I can't complain -- too much.
Knowing how to use vi is a status thing, like being able to code down to the bare metal of the machine, sacrificing a pretty interface with power, making one rely on his skill to not screw up. Why else would anyone bother to learn it? =)