On Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 4:11 AM, Matthew Brand <[email protected]>wrote:
> "I personally do not understand why the size of the user base would > count for much in deciding on a language." > > I do not fully understand the rationale either. One reason given has been > that when expanding, it is easy to find Python or C++ programmers. > > They way I understand this kind of behaviour by decision makers, is that there is the want to hire a production line worker (does what they're told, doesn't cost much, can learn which button to press in one day). But I'm very cynical ;-) This usually comes paired with the fear of making the wrong decision. Which can become extreme when faced with technology that is not easily "understood". (Marketing can to some extent mitigate such fears, otherwise Java wouldn't be where it is today!) While it may be easier to find C++ or Python programmers, finding quality C++ or Python programmers is going to be a lot harder, as you've got way more applications to sift through. Whereas using niche technology usually attracts specialists, hobbyists and other types of committed people. Their quality of work is usually of a higher standard, in my opinion. But their personalities can also be more challenging, also in my opinion :-) Boils down to quantity vs. quality and tradeoff in effort of management, if you like. Enough rambling, back to work, Robby ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm
