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Couldn't this same reasoning be used to argue that we don't need for loops or functions because we have GOTOs? Boilerplate is tedious and error-prone to write a
by syncopatience 9y ago
Couldn't this same reasoning be used to argue that we don't need for loops or functions because we have GOTOs? Boilerplate is tedious and error-prone to write and to read/understand in my experience.
- morecoffee 9y agoIt cannot. The syntax bloat forces structural cleanliness. A lower level problem is addressed with a higher level fix. It would be better of course to not have bloated syntax, but not at the cost of better program logic. As for tedium: Java programmers rely heavily on IDEs to "write" most of the boilerplate for them. The IDE fills in tokens automatically, and hides them visually with +/- boxes to the side.
- charleslmunger 9y agoBut if the bloat is hidden, how is it forcing structural cleanliness?
- morecoffee 9y agoPersonally I don't hide it, and I do type each token by hand. Since the parent brought up tedium, I wanted to mention that there are solutions to it. IDEs hide bloat, but code review and other tools often don't.
- 35bge57dtjku 9y agoNo, those things aren't even boilerplate.