Any language that adds overhead while removing essential features simply because they could potentially be dangerous if a programmer has no clue what the hell they are doing is nothing but a toy. A good tool for prototyping perhaps, but little more.
Prime example: Pointers and operations on pointers are not included in Java simply because a beginning programmer might cause buffer overflows. In other words, Java is designed to treat the programmer like an idiot.
Furthermore, it is of great benefit to open source software that the largest possible percentage of developers actually know and can use the langauge. Say 6 out of 10 know Java. (that is probably being overly generous).. How many know C? 9+ out of 10? Better question... What programmer DOESN'T know C? [other than perhaps the Anonymous Coward above].
Actually, the reason people haven't abandone C is that they are NOT lazy.
When it comes right down to it, all of the "features" of more "modern" languages are nothing but shortcuts that do more of the work for you.
The fact that programmers are not willing to give up performance and effeciency in order to use an easier language is not a sign of laziness.
Quick question: How does the developer base that knows Python or C Shudder.. err Sharp.. compare to the developer base that knows C or C++.
C is the most universal programming language. It is also the most adaptable and effecient of any high level language. C++ is probably a close second.
Python, Java, C#, and all the rest are niche markets...
A language people acutally know... EXACTLY!!!
That means we can get over this whole debate of a "successor" to C and C++ because there is no NEED for a "successor".
The important question is (to steal Mr. Postman's line) "what is the problem to which [insert-new-fangled-language] is the solution". Exactly. Let's keep what not only works, but works well and has an enormous user base.
Ahh more B.S. about replacing C... why? because its not "new". Is there anything better?? Nope. but hell let's replace it anyway... with something far less useful.
C is a perfect balance between effeciency and simple readable code. It is easy to understand, and it doesn't screw things up with OO this and Drag and Drop that.
JAVA? C#? Visual Basic? Great languages for non programmers... and they can keep them.
In the meantime (for the real programmers out there), if it needs to be platform independant, write it in C. If it DOESN'T need to be platform independant, write it in Assembly.
Let the script kiddies play with Java, Perl, and the rest of that crap.
Hah... you know I almost wrote a long rant about how stupid this idea was before I realized that today was April 1st.
Good one.
But I do know someone who named their kid "J-Sin".... I'm not sure which would be worse. I would immagine that "J-Sin" will have a great case for a law suit for the pain and suffering he will have to endure until he turns 18 and has his name changed.
Slashdot Mirror
Any language that adds overhead while removing essential features simply because they could potentially be dangerous if a programmer has no clue what the hell they are doing is nothing but a toy. A good tool for prototyping perhaps, but little more. Prime example: Pointers and operations on pointers are not included in Java simply because a beginning programmer might cause buffer overflows. In other words, Java is designed to treat the programmer like an idiot. Furthermore, it is of great benefit to open source software that the largest possible percentage of developers actually know and can use the langauge. Say 6 out of 10 know Java. (that is probably being overly generous).. How many know C? 9+ out of 10? Better question... What programmer DOESN'T know C? [other than perhaps the Anonymous Coward above].
You're right. I should have included LOGO and GW-BASIC as well.
Actually, the reason people haven't abandone C is that they are NOT lazy. When it comes right down to it, all of the "features" of more "modern" languages are nothing but shortcuts that do more of the work for you. The fact that programmers are not willing to give up performance and effeciency in order to use an easier language is not a sign of laziness.
Quick question: How does the developer base that knows Python or C Shudder.. err Sharp.. compare to the developer base that knows C or C++. C is the most universal programming language. It is also the most adaptable and effecient of any high level language. C++ is probably a close second. Python, Java, C#, and all the rest are niche markets...
A language people acutally know... EXACTLY!!! That means we can get over this whole debate of a "successor" to C and C++ because there is no NEED for a "successor". The important question is (to steal Mr. Postman's line) "what is the problem to which [insert-new-fangled-language] is the solution". Exactly. Let's keep what not only works, but works well and has an enormous user base.
Ahh more B.S. about replacing C... why? because its not "new". Is there anything better?? Nope. but hell let's replace it anyway... with something far less useful. C is a perfect balance between effeciency and simple readable code. It is easy to understand, and it doesn't screw things up with OO this and Drag and Drop that. JAVA? C#? Visual Basic? Great languages for non programmers... and they can keep them. In the meantime (for the real programmers out there), if it needs to be platform independant, write it in C. If it DOESN'T need to be platform independant, write it in Assembly. Let the script kiddies play with Java, Perl, and the rest of that crap.
Hah... you know I almost wrote a long rant about how stupid this idea was before I realized that today was April 1st. Good one. But I do know someone who named their kid "J-Sin".... I'm not sure which would be worse. I would immagine that "J-Sin" will have a great case for a law suit for the pain and suffering he will have to endure until he turns 18 and has his name changed.