> I take issue with being obliged to write so that the "novice" > programmer > will understand my code easily, and this applies to any programming > language. For one thing, the object of the game is to get beyond the > "novice" stage as quickly as possible, and that will only > happen by looking > at lots of non-novice code. Languages are generally designed > with advanced > syntax, features, and capabilities for a good reason... these advanced I think that once again we should look to natural languages with this. When speaking English I am a firm believer that one should use the simplest terms possible that can still accurately convey your meaning. The Victorian's disagreed with this :-) In some contexts, you just have to use complex language structures, and in others you don't. In the past, people in special interest areas (law, medicine, philosphy, the sciences in general, etc) have found it useful to create complex new language constructs (and vocabulary) to easily communicate complex new ideas with one another. Over time, this language became, in small part, a way to keep out other people, to demonstrate elitism, and to hide failings in the actual thought behind the language. As computer programming languages spread out away from the control of hardware and the execution of arithmetical functions, the terms and constructs need to be modified, to help people communicate. Perl has in the past gone a long way towards this, and I'd like to see it continue - it is a strength. Just because we might enjoy Perl because it makes hard things possible doesn't mean we should stop using it to make easy things easy. I guess this is a bit off-advocacy now? Follow ups in private perhaps? apologies for sig :-( ********************************************************************** "Talk to COLT about your high bandwidth, Internet and Web hosting requirements" http://www.colt-telecom.com ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** COLT Telecommunications Registered in England No. 2452736 Registered Office: Bishopsgate Court, 4 Norton Folgate, London E1 6DQ Tel. 020 7390 3900 This message is subject to and does not create or vary any contractual relationship between COLT Telecommunications, its subsidiaries or affiliates ("COLT") and you. Internet communications are not secure and therefore COLT does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message. Any view or opinions expressed are those of the author. The message is intended for the addressee only and its contents and any attached files are strictly confidential. If you have received it in error, please telephone the number above. Thank you. **********************************************************************
