Re: A Plain English Compiler

Languages like AppleScript / Xtalk (sp?) found in Runtime Revolution,
SuperCard (HyperCard), and throughout the Mac world are a complete pain
when you try to figure out what some routines will do.


The problem with "English" is meaning. The "Definitive Guide to
AppleScript" begins with a discussion of just how confusing English can
be as a programming language.


Sure, I want an "easy to read" programming language, but that doesn't
mean it should be like English. English is often mangled -- I admit as a
college English teacher.


A computer language should never be ambiguous. English thrives on its
ambiguity. Sorry, but programming needs rules and limits.


- Scott
[My understanding was that the hope for Cobol was not that it would be
any easier to write than other languages, but that it would be easier
for non-experts to read. One can debate how well they met that
goal. -John]

Return to the comp.compilers page.
Search the comp.compilers archives again.