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Freedom of expression helps you think though. Lisp is helping the thoughts, other languages obstruct them (that certainly includes Python). For a scientific la
by klrall 4y ago
Freedom of expression helps you think though. Lisp is helping the thoughts, other languages obstruct them (that certainly includes Python).
For a scientific language like R this quality is important.
Perhaps the ideal data science language would be a Lisp/R with excellent embedding qualities like Lua for the scientific parts. People could then choose their favorite language for shoveling data around.
- NeutralForest 4y agoWhy would say Python obstructs the thought?
- disgruntledphd2 4y agoPython doesn't, but pandas definitely does.
- sshine 4y agoDuck typing allows for freedom of expression/thinking. You can declare a new property on an object simply by assigning, and consistency is not required either. It also potentially leaves a mess over time.
- wdkrnls 4y agoBecause with original thinking there is more than one way to do it. Pythonic conformity might make long term maintenance easier, but it's rigidity exacts a cost on expressing new thoughts. R is basically the epitome of Greenspun's 10th rule: it's really their implementation of a common lisp that looks like C with metaprogramming and conditions and restarts and all. They tried standardizing on Common Lisp first (XLisp-Stat) but S from Bell Labs was too popular. In short, today R is a lisp with access to modern numeric libraries.