Computer Languages Keep Getting Better
I have rediscovered Martin Heller’s writings, and I really enjoy his thoughts. One of his recent columns is on computer languages.
For the last two years or so I have really enjoyed Ruby. So much, in fact, that I may have become a Ruby-snob. For the first time in my life I look down on other languages and I get seriously annoyed when I have to use Java, VB, C#, etc. Thoughts like “this would be so much easier|more readable|shorter|etc. in Ruby” keeping going through my mind.
The other interesting thing is that my experience with dynamic languages like Ruby reminds me of the thoughts I had when I first learned C++: “This OO stuff is a bunch of hot air – you can do the exact same thing in C with function pointers”. Well, that may be true but you can do it a lot easier, shorter, etc. in C++ (and now even more elegant in Java and C#). That’s how I feel about Ruby, and it applies in many aspects of the language.
I very much like Martin’s insight about learning one language making you better in another language. Pascal made me a better Basic programmer. C++ made me a better C programmer. Ruby made me a better C# programmer.
Finally… there are languages you learn, and languages you actually use to write a significant piece of software in. My favorite column of all time is “Exotic Language of the Month”. I don’t remember if it was in Computer Language magazine or in DDJ. Someone should do a blog like that.