By the way, I know that the meaning of "scripting" has melted quite a bit since
its original designation, but I don't use it (or "macro") about the so-called
scripting languages. A VBA program is, in my mind, a program, not a script or
macro. A script - technically speaking - is a list of commands, like .bat used
to be and as QMF instructions are still. VBS, REXX and all the other
interpreters are true programming languages. I may not be willing to die on
that hill, but I'll defend it for a while at least.
I think the meaning of "scripting" has lost its hard edges and is now applied
to languages that are used to automate system administration. But I'm a bit of
a fussbudget about such things, and like words to retain old meanings until
there's a sound reason to let them change. It isn't clear to me that we need a
separate word for languages that can be used in that way, and this especially
because I sense a slight condescension in the term ("it's not PL/1, after all,
just a scripting language").
---
Bob Bridges, robhbrid...@gmail.com, cell 336 382-7313
/* One very sound rule for the care of the body is always to keep in mind what
it was designed to do. The body was shaped by the need to run long distances
on resilient turf, to run very fast for short distances, to climb trees, and to
carry loads back to the cave, so any persistent exercise you do which is not a
logical part of that ancient series of uses is, in general, bad for the body.
-from _Cinnamon Skin_ by John D MacDonald */
-----Original Message-----
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List <IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU> On Behalf Of
Phil Smith III
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2024 19:16
Just what IS required for something to be a 'programming language'?
Does it have to have loops? Variables? A compiler (I'd say "no, or various
scripting languages might not qualify", and I don't think anyone would buy
that)? Does HTML qualify? It has the L-word but that doesn't prove anything.
Etc. I know people who think JCL does count. Can we prove them right or wrong
by some objective definition?
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