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> Re-learning less frequently used operators constantly is not very efficient. You could also say: > Re-learning less frequently used command line programs co
by codygman 12y ago
> Re-learning less frequently used operators constantly is not very efficient.
You could also say:
> Re-learning less frequently used command line programs constantly is not very efficient.
However in my experience re-learning is much easier than learning the first time. For instance if I've used a command line program before I can glance at the manual and figure out what I need very quickly.
- sanderjd 12y agoSure. But my point is that good names make it even easier because they act like a refresher. Unix command line programs could also use to be better-named. "cat" and "ls" are example of fairly poor names (but again, common enough to not be a big problem!), whereas "head", "tail", and "echo" are much better because even if you forget what they do, the names themselves refresh your memory! Naming things well is definitely hard, but it's worthwhile.
- kbenson 12y agoI generally hold that it's simply a matter of whether the language is optimizing for beginners, intermediate level users, or experts. Terse code is useful for domain experts, it allows them to quickly assess what's happening without having to read a lot, and have more of the program logic in the field of view at a time. Unfortunately it's hard for beginners to understand because a lot is implied through idiomatic usage. Verbose code is easier for beginners, but domain experts may find it cumbersome and a chore to both read and write. Perl has found an interesting spot on this spectrum, as through TIMTOWTDI it has the capacity for verbose code, as well as terse, idiomatic code. I'm not sure if that means it's optimized for intermediate level users, or if it's just schizophrenic.