I understand now why the y. was changed to plain y. It makes J more
natural for new users and new users we all like to see. This is just
such thing that can awake new users interest if they see interesting
examples at the first time.
It might be better if the syntax coloring is used to show variables x
y in ijs-windows in different colour (like control structures, text,
comments).
Anssi
At 19:12 29.5.2006, you wrote:
In a change like x for x. there is a cost. The question is who pays.
Jsoftware policy is to favor new users over old. A new user should
find things as clean as possible. A new user, with a newly installed
system, getting their first taste of J, should not be distracted
with the x. and y. historical baggage. Or any other barnacles from
the past. As much as possible the cost of the change should be borne
by old users.
I hope the reasoning behind this is obvious, if not agreeable. J is
used by a small community. A community that is too small. Jsoftware
is dedicated to growing this base and we feel this is best done by
presenting well to new users.
An old user has been involved in discussion of the change and can
work out their own manner of coping. A new user would be confused
and could focus on this dead tree rather than the forest.
With luck the user base will grow until the emphasis has to shift to
favoring new to old users. We look forward to that day.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm
