I've used C++ with CGI and had good results. But C++ is far less portable than Perl is. My C++ code has been platform-specific and non-portable. This works fine in certain situations. But often I need the same functionality to span servers from a variety of vendors (Sun, IBM, and MS) and there Perl makes a lot more sense.
Also, if I'm hitting some C/C++ API, I'd rather use raw C/C++ than try to write the Perl module. It's one less level of indirection.
Give me HTML with CGI capabilities and some easy way to store state on the client (no more cookies please). Then give me a beefy server where I can script Perl for small things and Java or C[++] for big things and I'd be happy.
Falling fertility in Western countries (15% drop in sperm count over last 10 years, IIRC, correct me if I'm wrong...)
This is the first thing that came to my mind. Currently in the US, 1 of every 6 couples who would like to have children cannot without assistance of some sort (IVF, ICSI, IUI, GIFT, ZIFT, etc). This percentage is rising.
Having a computer replicate Hendrix's version of the Star Spangled Banner is one thing. Having a computer generate this kind of creative outpouring is another entirely. We certainly can make computers imitate human expression, but I doubt we will see a truly creative computer for many generations yet.
Nice to know at least one other/.er admits to liking bluegrass. I've got bluegrass in the CD player more often than not - Bill Monroe, Del McCoury, Laurie Lewis.
BTW, Perl'er extraordinaire Nat Torkington is also a bluegrass fan. (Not that we've met or anything - I just read his web page - http://www.frii.com/~gnat/ ) We also both play mandolin. He is, of course, better than me in all our shared pursuits.
MS has done plenty of things wrong but do we really think the government can do better? Even given that market is made up of individuals who are idiots, is a government imposed solution better than a market driven one? As anti-MS as I feel viscerally, I'm not sure I trust the government to do anything right in this case.
I noticed all those places listed dry cleaning. How about regular laundry so I can get my jeans and t-shirts washed? I'm not sure I own anything that has a Dry Clean Only tag.
Slashdot Mirror
Also, if I'm hitting some C/C++ API, I'd rather use raw C/C++ than try to write the Perl module. It's one less level of indirection.
GUIs are the bane of my existence!
Falling fertility in Western countries (15% drop in sperm count over last 10 years, IIRC, correct me if I'm wrong...)
This is the first thing that came to my mind. Currently in the US, 1 of every 6 couples who would like to have children cannot without assistance of some sort (IVF, ICSI, IUI, GIFT, ZIFT, etc). This percentage is rising.
See Resolve's web site for more information.
Having a computer replicate Hendrix's version of the Star Spangled Banner is one thing. Having a computer generate this kind of creative outpouring is another entirely. We certainly can make computers imitate human expression, but I doubt we will see a truly creative computer for many generations yet.
Nice to know at least one other /.er admits to liking bluegrass. I've got bluegrass in the CD player more often than not - Bill Monroe, Del McCoury, Laurie Lewis.
BTW, Perl'er extraordinaire Nat Torkington is also a bluegrass fan. (Not that we've met or anything - I just read his web page - http://www.frii.com/~gnat/ ) We also both play mandolin. He is, of course, better than me in all our shared pursuits.
Didn't Gerald Holmes already make these same arguments?
Some folks claim Java is an acronym for Just Another Vague Acronym. Ok, so it isn't true. But it's rather amusing, isn't it?
MS has done plenty of things wrong but do we really think the government can do better? Even given that market is made up of individuals who are idiots, is a government imposed solution better than a market driven one? As anti-MS as I feel viscerally, I'm not sure I trust the government to do anything right in this case.
I noticed all those places listed dry cleaning. How about regular laundry so I can get my jeans and t-shirts washed? I'm not sure I own anything that has a Dry Clean Only tag.
In many ways, Corel's current obsession with beating MS reminds me of Novell's similar obsession a few years back. And look at where Novell is now.
Pessimistic as I am, I still hope it works.