Well, whatever the reasonings, it would be nice to be able to put a number to the phrase "small user base".
2009/11/3 Robert Raschke <[email protected]> > 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 > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm
