On 10/4/07, Don Stewart <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > It was raised at CUFP today that while Python has: > > Python is a dynamic object-oriented programming language that can be > used for many kinds of software development. It offers strong > support for integration with other languages and tools, comes with > extensive standard libraries, and can be learned in a few days. Many > Python programmers report substantial productivity gains and feel > the language encourages the development of higher quality, more > maintainable code. > > With the links from the start about using Python for various purposes, > along with reassuring text about licenses and so on. > > Note its all about how it can help you. > > The Haskell website has the rather strange motivational text: > > Haskell is a general purpose, purely functional programming language > featuring static typing, higher order functions, polymorphism, type > classes, and monadic effects. Haskell compilers are freely available > for almost any computer. > > Which doesn't say why these help you. > > Any suggestions on a 2 or 3 sentence spiel about what's available? > > Here's some quick points: > > General purpose: applications from OS kernels to compilers to web dev to > ... > Strong integration with other languages: FFI, and FFI binding tools > Many developer tools: debugger, profiler, code coverage, QuickCheck > Extensive libraries: central library repository, central repo hosting > Productivity, robustness, maintainability: purity, type system, etc > Parallelism! >
Can't we embrace the power of 'and'? It's wonderful that Haskell is seeing more practical use, but we shouldn't forget the foundations, either. Maybe we should put your second description first, and *then* have a paragraph saying, "and, for those who know what these are, polymorphism, monadic effects, etc."? Only describing Haskell in terms of software engineeering doesn't seem right to me. Cheers, Tim -- Tim Chevalier * catamorphism.org * Often in error, never in doubt "I know / no matter what / no matter who / no matter what I do / somebody hates me / and I hate somebody too" -- Reel Big Fish _______________________________________________ Haskell-Cafe mailing list Haskell-Cafe@haskell.org http://www.haskell.org/mailman/listinfo/haskell-cafe
