On Tue, 20 Apr 2004, Thomas Beale wrote:
...
> Two comments about untyped languages:
Thomas,
What is the definition of "untyped" language?
...
> - trying to define a model representing a design without types borders
> on the impossible.
A "type" is-a model. What are you trying to say?
...
> Why throw away half the knowledge contained in the model when it could
> be easily used to check program correctness?
There are many good reasons why we ignore or "throw away" knowledge. In
fact, it could be said that the art of knowledge engineering requires it.
> I am quite interested to know why so many people use Python
1) It works in both Free and non-Free worlds.
2) Easy to read
3) Easy to learn
4) Easy to extend
5) Works with Zope
> - what's its attraction for building large software
6) With Zope, it is easy to find the piece of code associated with any
specific user-accesible function
> I'd be interested in knowing the main reasons why everyone chooses a
> certain language in health systems actually.
7) Easier for physicians to learn to program and debug Zope applications
(relative to other languages).
> (My personal nirvana is a typed, oo/functional language, close to a
> structured mathematical logic, but with good tools, and the ability to
> write "hello world" without needing brain surgery.
I did a "hello world" programming demo last year for Zope. It took all of
3 clicks and typing 15 characters (all inclusive).
> I guess someone will write it one day, and get us all out of the
> terrible mire we're in now;-)
What "terrible mire"? :-)
Best regards,
Andrew
---
Andrew P. Ho, M.D.
OIO: Open Infrastructure for Outcomes
www.TxOutcome.Org
