[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Hello, > > what are the advantages of haskell over semi-functional programming > languages such as Perl, Common Lisp, etc.? > > What are the mysterious "side effects" which are avoided by using > Haskell, which everyone talks about? Null pointers? > > Don't you ever get null pointers in Haskell, including when doing IO? > > Aren't Haskell's advantages outweighed by its complexity (Monads, > etc.) and rigidity? > > Last but not least, I would like to learn from those among you who > are former PERL developers, why you switched to Haskell. > > Many thanks. > > phiroc > > > _______________________________________________ > Haskell mailing list > Haskell@haskell.org > http://www.haskell.org/mailman/listinfo/haskell
There are plenty of advantages to Haskell; but it doesn't mean that it's the only language I use now. I read an article about Perl vs. Python once, and the point that stuck with me most was "The Perl motto is TMTOWTDI, and Python's just another WTDI." The same applies to Haskell, or any other language for that matter. I love Haskell; my code is usually bug-free (or close) the first time I run it because of its features like having no side effects. But I still use Perl for system administration, and I'm developing a window manager in Scheme now because of its features. As far as Haskell's disadvantages, I don't see monads as a disadvantage; most descriptions of them are complicated, but there are plenty of good tutorials out there. Rigidity is a double edged sword; it helps keep your code working, but it does make you jump through some hoops to get certain things working. -Rob Hoelz _______________________________________________ Haskell mailing list Haskell@haskell.org http://www.haskell.org/mailman/listinfo/haskell
