Hoi,
The argument that a language should be readable and easy to learn is REALLY
relevant and powerful. A language that is only good for geeks is detrimental
to the use of MediaWiki. Our current templates and template syntax are
horrible. Wikipedia is as a consequence hardly editable by everyone.
Thanks,
GerardM
2009/7/8 Neil Harris <usenet(a)tonal.clara.co.uk>
Steve Bennett wrote:
On Tue, Jul 7, 2009 at 5:01 AM,
<WJhonson(a)aol.com> wrote:
> The reason BASIC was and still enjoys wide popularity is because it's
> easier to learn.
>
> The example does not make the substantial point because it veers so
> strongly to the opposite end of the spectrum as to be unrelated to the
argument
> whatsoever. I never suggested that a
language should *mimic* English
(or a
> bizarre type of hyper-English).
>
> I welcome however, anyone who wants to actually conduct this argument,
on
Earth.
The difference between this thread and the parallel one on wikitech-l:
that thread quickly focussed on four genuine candidates: Lua, Python,
JavaScript and PHP. People identified the basic requirements
(security, speed...) and pointed out the pros and cons of each
language, in terms of available interpreters, tried and tested
experiments with sandboxing each, etc.
Here, we're talking about bringing back BASIC because it's so much
more readable. *yawn*
Steve
Can we take this discussion back to wikitech-l now, please, and focus on
specific, concrete proposals for syntax reform and/or language replacement?
-- Neil
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