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> Javascript also goes out of its way to be friendlier. While other languages complain when you try to add two different width integers, Javascript will happily
by noxToken 8y ago
> Javascript also goes out of its way to be friendlier. While other languages complain when you try to add two different width integers, Javascript will happily add a number and a string together. It's something that drives those of us with a static typing background nuts, but makes the language more approachable overall.
We have differing definitions of friendly. Since I understand types and operator overloading, I know that 1 and "1" are different. I also know that the operator + does traditional math addition and concats Strings. If I didn't, it would probably drive me bonkers that "1" + 1 is "11" in JS instead of 2 or even "2". Having knowledge about types and overloading automatically tells me that String + Int = String.
I'm not saying that JS is bad since it lacks static typing. I'd argue that lack of static typing makes a language tougher to learn rather than more approachable. The barrier of entry is lower, but makes comprehension tougher.
- curun1r 8y ago> I'd argue that lack of static typing makes a language tougher to learn rather than more approachable I think it's a bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing. It makes it harder to master, but less intimidating when you're first starting out. Also, I probably shouldn't have used the term static typing, since the issues I'm talking about are more associated with weak typing rather than dynamic typing.