On Sunday, 6 December 2020 at 17:28:52 UTC, Bruce Carneal wrote:
D is good for systems level work but that's not all. I use it for projects where, in the past, I'd have split the work between two languages (Python and C/C++). I much prefer working with a single language that spans the problem space.
My impression from reading the forums is that people either use D as a replacement for C/C++ or Python/numpy, so I think your experience covers the essential use case scenario that is dominating current D usage? Any improvements have to improve both dimension, I agree.
If there is a way to extend D's reach with zero or a near-zero complexity increase as seen by the programmer, I believe we should (as/when resources allow of course).
ARC involves a complexity increase, to some extent. Library authors have to think a bit more principled about when objects should be phased out and destructed, which I think tend to lead to better programs. It would also allow for faster precise collection. So it could be beneficial for all.
