From: Jim Weirich <jim@...>
Date: 2005-12-21T09:08:45+09:00
Subject: Re: Bruce Eckel and Ruby

Timothy Hunter wrote:
> Jim Weirich wrote:
>> unpopular.
> With all due respect, Jim, I think it would be a mistake to overlook Mr.
> Eckel's pecuniary interests in this debate. I was at Barnes & Noble just
> this afternoon and I didn't see his name on any books about Ruby.

It would indeed be a mistake to overlook it, but I don't see the facts 
supporting the conclusion.

Mr. Eckel is a strong critic of Java, particularly in the area of 
checked exceptions and generics.  Back when I was actually teaching Java 
(6 or so years ago), his book "Thinking in Java" was one the few books 
that was able to present the language without being "gushy" about it. 
He frequently pointed out warts in the language.  He is also an advocate 
of dynamic typing over static typing and written several good articles 
supporting that position.  And finally, he a big fan and advocate of 
Python, one of those "free, easy to learn, rewards mastery, and has 
flocks of eager devotees who want to share their knowledge for free" 
languages.

In short, to accuse him of being short sighted with respect to other 
languages because he has a vested interest in teaching Java needs to 
ignore the fact that he never been slow to critisize Java in the past 
when he sees problems.

And finally, his blog entry is less about supporting Java, and more 
asking the question of why Ruby over Python.

I think its simply a matter that he prefers the "Zen of Python" over the 
"Ruby Way" ... a position held by many people.

--
-- Jim Weirich

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