Don Stewart wrote,
catamorphism:
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.
Yes, I think that's the best step. Combine both why you'd use it, with
what unique features enable this.
I also agree that this is the right way to go.
FWIW, the CUFP talk that started this discussion took the current
text out of context. It is one thing to have the fp-speak
description of Haskell in isolation (as in the CUFP talk) and
another to have it on the wiki front-page, where the side bar
advertises libraries, applications, etc. and the middle has news
items and so forth.
Manuel
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