CompuServe Thread

#What's c++

7 messages in this thread
#132760From: Ben BlishJul 1, 1988 8:29 PM
Yeah, I'm rated at 2^88 WetStones, myself. <grin> Well, I'm glad that you're glad…. because, yes, it _is_ the mark of a very advanced compiler that it can accept a range of language structures, and still produce a solid, accurate interpretation of the intention of the writer of the expression in the language in question. As opposed to a compiler that could _only_ accept it's input in very strict ways. Therefor…. I see 'c' as a more advanced language, for the more advanced user, who can deal with the power and the freedom…. while Ada, Modula, and other, weaker languages that require a more specific input from the user to accomplish the same thing are simply sops to the "software priesthood" of old, who want complete comtrol over your language. Don't Cuss! <rapping knuckles> Don't say ain't! <smacking behind> Don't say sketties.. Spaghetti! <cracking skull> I want my damn sketties, and I ain't leavin till I gets em. As opposed to… Yes, Madame, I'll wait in the conservatory for the call to dinner. I shall eat my liver happily when it is placed before me. –Ben–
#132786From: John DraperJul 1, 1988 9:28 PM
Just as English is often misconstrued because of improper usage, so is a program often wrong because of the same misuse of the language, due to a varaiety of misinterpretations that the compiler can make. The best way to insure accuracy in both human and computer language is to insist on accuracy and proper use. -larry
#132805From: Ben BlishJul 1, 1988 11:25 PM
irrelevant, Larry. If a program does what it's supposed to, then it is "correct". If I _have_ to go thru extra steps, to get the _same_ result, then I start to have reservations about the language. Flexibility gets me hot… not rigid guidelines. –Ben–
#132809From: John DraperJul 2, 1988 12:16 AM
Ben, What gets me excited about a language is not having to guess what it's going to do with what I tell it. I would rather it told me when something I am doing is ambiguous. I really dislike 'inbetween' languages. -larry
#132822From: Ben BlishJul 2, 1988 3:22 AM
Well, I never have to guess… I suspect others don't, either. The fact that you do indicates to me that you don't have a good grasp on the language. Perhaps it's simply not for you – but that doesn't make it ambiguous – only your understanding of it. –Ben–
#132828From: John DraperJul 2, 1988 4:11 AM
YOu don't have to guess because you have gotten used to the vagaries of your compiler.
#132889From: Ben BlishJul 2, 1988 3:59 PM
Exactly. Took about 3 hours. –Ben–