Hi Claudio, If I recall correctly Guido van Rossum (creator/father of Python) did not mention AsmL as being an influence. Also AsmL appears to be more recent (circa .NET epoch) than Python (circa 1991). Hence, I would suggest that the Foundations of Software Engineering group at Microsoft have borrowed a few bricks from Guido and maybe even a few rocks from Donald Knuth.
Interesting (AsmL, that is, not my posting). Cheers!! -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Claudio Grondi Sent: 15 December 2004 15:53 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: AsmL/Python relationship? Anyone using AsmL? What for? Hi, I have just by chance discovered, that Microsoft research works on a kind of programming language called AsmL, and I'm just curious if AsmL, which is using same concept of significant indentation as Python language, was developed fully independently or is there a kind of relationship (same person in developer team, etc.)? Maybe someone can give here some hints? Is anyone of you using AsmL? What for? Claudio P.S. What is AsmL can be checked out at: http://research.microsoft.com/fse/asml/ or directly in the tutorial: http://research.microsoft.com/fse/asml/doc/AsmL2_Tutorial.doc Here an excerpt from online available information: "AsmL is the Abstract State Machine Language. It is an executable specification language based on the theory of Abstract State Machines. The current version, AsmL 2 (AsmL for Microsoft .NET), is embedded into Microsoft Word and Microsoft Visual Studio.NET. It uses XML and Word for literate specifications. It is fully interoperable with other .NET languages. AsmL generates .NET assemblies which can either be executed from the command line, linked with other .NET assemblies, or packaged as COM components. AsmL is useful in any situation where you need a precise, non-ambiguous way to specify a computer system, either software or hardware. AsmL specifications are an ideal way for teams to communicate design decisions. Program managers, developers, and testers can all use an AsmL specification to achieve a single, unified understanding. One of the greatest benefits of an AsmL specification is that you can execute it. That means it is useful before you commit yourself to coding the entire system." -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
