SCOUG-Programming Mailing List Archives

Date:	Tue, 4 Jan 2005 13:51:12 PST8
From:	Peter Skye <pskye@peterskye.com >
Reply-To:	scoug-programming@scoug.com
To:	scoug-programming@scoug.com
Subject:	SCOUG-Programming: A bit too much to byte

Content Type: text/plain

Zdenek Jizba wrote:
>
> The language of mathematics therefore has had more time to evolve.
> Today, when studying astrophysics or quantum physics, the language
> is totally incomprehensible to all except to those that spent years
> studying partial differential equations, non-euclidean geometry and
> whatever math quantum physicists use. Yet there are no complaints
> about the readability of equations. So I suppose that one
> knowledgeable in a particular programming language (APL for me)
> should not feel defensive as long as the language solves all
> problems that the individual encounters.

Jizba, I like this point of view. And you may have identified, at least
for me, one major difficulty of "choosing a language".

There are two different needs. One is that of the programmer, the one
that Lynn wants to satisfy, the need that you point out as being
satisfied by the tool that solves the problems encountered.

The other is the need of an organization. This language must be
readable by many, and such a requirement tends to exclude some of our
own favorite tools (PL/I and APL come to mind for many "Type C"
organizations) simply because most people have no experience with them.

I look forward to the next Programming SIG so I can see what directions
around a 360 degree circle (or are we talking rays of a sphere here?)
each of us individually wants to go.

- Peter

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