----- Original Message ----- From: "Reggie Bautista" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2003 5:13 PM Subject: Re: Computer Languages [was: Your Favorite SciFi/FantasyMovieSoundtrack?]
> David wrote (that's David H., I think): > >> My impression is that C was designed for people who > >>could not type rapidly. I agree, once you really know the > >>syntax and all the commands, shorter is better. But one > >>has to get to that point somehow! For instance, we could > >>type English more rapidly if long words like 'impression' > >>were replaced with shorter strings like '#2367'. But one does > >>have to give some weight to the fact that the former is easier > >>to remember than the latter. > >> COBOL is crazy, since it uses English instead of the > >>common math symbols. But Pascal is about right. Having > >>easily deciphered command names soon pays for itself in > >>less debugging--that is for everyone who does not place a > >>high cost on typing a few extra characters. > > Kevin replied: > >What the heck is wrong with that? Add current-amount to balance-amount. > >Yeah that's just crazy! > > > >Kevin T. - VRWC > >just having fun > > Programming languages that use English-like commands make programs much > easier to follow -- if you know English. Programming languages that are > much more symbolic and less "natural language" oriented make programs that > can more easily be interpreted by people who speak a variety of > (non-programming) languages.
Actually, programming languages with short commands are similar to mathematics with + - / and * signs. Would you expect math equations to use words?
Anyone want to comment here on APL?
-- Ronn! :)
Almighty Ruler of the all, Whose Power extends to great and small, Who guides the stars with steadfast law, Whose least creation fills with awe, O grant thy mercy and thy grace, To those who venture into space.
(Robert A. Heinlein's added verse to the Navy Hymn)
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