From: Chad Perrin <code@...>
Date: 2011-04-05T00:16:43+09:00
Subject: Re: functional paradigm taking over

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On Mon, Apr 04, 2011 at 08:31:08PM +0900, Everett L Williams II wrote:
> Mike Stephens wrote:
> >
> >When you consider the merits of functional languages, I believe you
> >should take into account not only the elegance with which you can
> >express what you want to do, or how amenable it is to eg parallel
> >processing. You should also consider whether it strikes a better
> >balance between such issues and accessibility. Does all your terseness
> >and 'elegance' give you a justifiable advantage over something simpler
> >which could be more easily handled by a person of less capability?
>
> *You have restated my point in much more pleasant language, and with
> commendable precision. The average person who wishes to program a
> solution to a problem cares not one whit whether the tool they find
> most accessible qualifies as a programming language by another person's
> definition. They just want to get their problem solved. Personally,
> though I have been arguning the side of Excel here, I hate
> spreadsheets.  It is arguable that almost anything that can be
> accomplished with a database and implementing language such as SQL can
> be accomplished with a spreadsheet. I just happen to prefer the DB way
> of describing and thinking about data. But, as I have said, I have seen
> some absolutely amazing things doen with spreadsheets. My particular
> crutch for dealing with DB's is Alpha 5, but there are dozens of such
> solutions out there.

If the best tool for the job is not a programming language, feel free to
use it to solve your problem.  Please don't suggest this tool that is not
a programming language actually *is* a programming language just because
you can solve problems with it, though.  A pointy stick in one's hand is
not a snare, even if it can be used to acquire a rabbit for dinner.  A
handheld sickle is not a combine, even if it can be used to harvest
grains.


>=20
> Denigrating another person's choice of tools will certainly not make
> that person likely to seek your advice again, nor consider you helpful.

I don't think anyone is denigrating the use of spreadsheets for problems
best solved by spreadsheets.  People just object to describing MS Excel
as a better programming language than Ruby -- a pretty tall order, given
it is woefully inadequate to many tasks for which programming is done,
and is not in fact a "language" by any definition short of the sort of
mental gymnastics necessary to discuss 4GLs with a straight face.

--=20
Chad Perrin [ original content licensed OWL: http://owl.apotheon.org ]

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