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> Computer languages exist to perform useful things that affect the world in some way, not just to express algorithms, and so their success depends in part on t
by AnimalMuppet 2y ago
> Computer languages exist to perform useful things that affect the world in some way, not just to express algorithms, and so their success depends in part on their utility.
Their all-in utility. That is, their utility after taking into account usability, but also availability, availability and robustness of libraries, perhaps portability, and I'm sure there are more variables that affect net utility.
- foresto 2y agoThis was recently brought into sharp focus while learning a new-to-me C descendant. After working with it for a couple months, I've found a lot to like in the language itself, but the many paper cuts and bad ergonomics of its standard library have considerably drained my enthusiasm for continuing to use it. What a pity.