http://qs321.pair.com?node_id=76874


in reply to Choose the most powerful language

tilly, I couldn't agree with you more... I've made a few rants on the topic of Java.. but despite all that I may say against Java, there are instances where it makes most sense (business or implementation wise) to use it.. and I am glad I knew it (well, it got me the job I have, ye know ;o)

Although I don't admit(1) to understanding all about functional programming..I consider myself fortunate to be introduced to Prolog (and indirectly to Lisp and Scheme) when I was in university... together with a great data structures course (in Modula-2, of all things) I "understood" most of the topics that are covered in the upcoming book you mention... I think I realize what a great insight such programming can actually afford you in real life day to day programming tasks..(but wait, isnt most of 'real life' programming about data structures ? ;o)

As a point to mention, one of the first problems we had in our Prolog class was to define and traverse a family tree.. with the use of a hash and $_ I was able to show off Perl's capability to do the same in only a few more lines :o)

Right now, though, I think I've hit a plateau of sorts.. Perl and Java seem to occupy most of my coding hours now (well, granted, I don't seem to have endless student hours to try out other stuff in)... Perhaps relearning Scheme and possibly going with Guile or Haskell ? who knows.. but I think experimenting with different languages is more than half the fun :o) Perl works for me, but I think the more (languages) I try to understand, the more productive I can be, in any language...

my <$0.02
Update: (1)"not admitting to" means, I only fiddled around with it for one year... I'd like to think I know a bit about it however, but then, I thought I knew 'a bit' about Perl too ;o) (drop in the ocean is a phrase that is particularly appropriate here)

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: Re: Choose the most powerful language
by AgentM (Curate) on May 01, 2001 at 09:16 UTC
    tinman, I absolutely agree with you- but you should have put that last sentence in bold and had it bronzed. If you don't understand what I mean, consider this: the person who knows more languages, as adeptly pointed out in the article tilly linked to, will simply have a better understanding of ALL of the languages. This person will not only be a more adept coder, but will better understand the risks and venues involved in choosing a particular language and is better suited to evaluate a projects' situation- especially mission critical weaknesses. Correctly evaluating a project is difficult but the more plans of attack you have available to begin with, the better!

    So, for all you new coders out there who have become religious about Perl, I urge you all to at least peruse an online tutorial to introduce yourselves to other language environments!

    AgentM Systems nor Nasca Enterprises nor Bone::Easy nor Macperl is responsible for the comments made by AgentM. Remember, you can build any logical system with NOR.
[reply]
      --
      Hear Hear!!!

      After a brief early stint with Perl I ran off and became a
      C hacker. Now I can say I'm absolutely religious
      about Perl, but would not have fully appreciated it if it
      weren't for my other language experiences.

      Now knowing Perl, C, Java, and a bit of some others like
      Python, I have settled into using Perl when it makes
      sense (i.e., most cases) In some cases C is
      the most efficient or faster to code in (Yes, but depends
      on the problem...) orsometimes Java, etc.

      I think to be a really dynamic coder it's important to at
      least become familiar with the general structure/syntax
      of other languages so you know they may
      (unfortunately) be better than Perl for the given
      situation.

      My daily prayer is usually
      something like this "May the day's tasks best be
      handled by Perl, and save me from the abyss of C
      and any Java* not served in a cup.

      But then again, maybe I'm a little nuts.

      -Felonious
[reply]

In Section Meditations