INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BY EXPERT

 　　My friend once told a famous software package expert that he wanted to style a extremely good artificial language. The expert replied that it's a waste of your time. an honest language won't necessarily be accepted by the market, and it's likely that nobody will use it, because the recognition of the language doesn't rely upon it. At least, this is often the case with the language designed by the expert.

　　So, what factors do the recognition of languages ​​depend on? Do popular languages ​​really should be popular? Is it necessary to do to style an improved language? How can this be done if necessary?

so as to search out answers to those questions, i feel we will observe hackers and understand what language they use. Programming languages ​​were originally created to satisfy the requirements of hackers. If and providing hackers sort of a language, this language can become a certified programing language, rather than being considered "denotational semantics" or compiler design .

　the key of recognition

　　 Yes, the majority choose a particular artificial language not thanks to its unique characteristics, but because they heard that others use it. But i believe that external factors don't have the maximum amount influence on the recognition of programming languages ​​as imagined. I feel that the matter lies in what an honest programing language is. Hackers have a distinct view from most language designers.

　　 Hacker's view is truly more important than language designer's. A artificial language isn't a mathematical theorem, but a tool. They were designed for simple use. Therefore, when designing a programing language, we must consider the strengths and weaknesses of kinsfolk, similar to when designing shoes, we must conform to the form of human feet. If the shoe is uncomfortable to wear, regardless of how beautiful its appearance is, how sort of a work of art, you'll only regard it as a pair of bad shoes.

　　Most programmers might not be ready to distinguish between good and bad languages. However, this doesn't mean that excellent programming languages ​​will be buried. Expert hackers can recognize them at a look and use them. Although they're small in number, it's just such alittle group of individuals who have written all the wonderful software of mankind. they need a large influence, what language they use, other programmers will often follow. To be honest, in many cases this sort of influence is more sort of a command. For other programmers, expert hackers are like their own boss or mentor. they'll follow up which language is simple to use.

　　 The opinion of expert hackers isn't the sole factor that determines the recognition of a language. Some ancient software (Fortran and Cobol) and overwhelming advertising (Ada and Java) will play a job. However, i feel that within the long term, the opinion of expert hackers is that the most significant factor. As long as there's a “critical mass” of initial users and long enough time, a language may reach the extent of recognition it deserves. Popularity itself will make this excellent language even better, further widening the difference between it and therefore the mediocre language, because user feedback will always result in language improvement. you'll consider what quantity all popular programming languages ​​have changed since they were born. Perl and Fortran are extreme examples, but even Lisp has changed lots.

　　 So, whether or not you don’t consider whether the language itself can drive the recognition, i believe the recognition alone will certainly make the language better, and only the recognition will keep it excellent. the best level of programming languages ​​is always under development. Although the core functions of the language are just like the depths of the ocean with few changes, things like function libraries and development environments are just like the surface of the ocean, constantly surging.

　　 Of course, hackers must know this language before they will use it. How can they know? It's from other hackers. So anyway, there must be a gaggle of hackers using this language at the start, so others will realize it. i do not know what's the minimum number of "a group", what percentage hackers will be considered as "critical number"? If I were to guess, i'd say 20 people. If a language has 20 independent users, it implies that 20 people arrange to use the language voluntarily. i believe this shows that the language really has its advantages.

it's challenging to achieve this step. If the quantity of users from 0 to twenty is harder than from 20 to 1,000, i might not be surprised. Probably the most effective thanks to develop the primary 20 users is to use a Trojan horse: You let people use an application they have, which happens to be developed in an exceedingly new language.