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> Sure -- in Python, a mixture of tabs and spaces. This is certain to result in indentation that looks right to the human, but produces perverse results when in

> Sure -- in Python, a mixture of tabs and spaces. This is certain to result in indentation that looks right to the human, but produces perverse results when interpreted by the language. Python (and Haskell) are pathological cases because the syntax of the language depends on whitespace. There are very good reasons to avoid tabs in those languages. I don't think you'll find many people that disagree with you on that one. But your argument is that tabs should be abolished, regardless of the language. So I'd ask: In your experience, can you give an example (in a language that does not care about whitespace) of recurring bugs related to not being able to distinguish between tabs and spaces?

lutusp 14y ago
> In your experience, can you give an example (in a language that does not care about whitespace) of recurring bugs related to not being able to distinguish between tabs and spaces? Translation: "If we eliminate any chance that a tab will be misinterpreted, can you think of a case where a tab might be misinterpreted?" The issue are those cases where tabs do lead to confusion, not where they don't.
- burntsushi 14y ago
  > Translation: "If we eliminate any chance that a tab will be misinterpreted, can you think of a case where a tab might be misinterpreted?" This is inconsistent with your initial statement: > After nearly 40 years' experience in programming, I offer that (as to computer source code) tabs should be outlawed. You said nothing about "programming languages that make whitespace significant." Therefore, I was asking why you want tabs outlawed in other languages. If this isn't the case, then we're in agreement---but your initial post was misleading.