Re: Another good URL for all you C++ haters

[James Rogers <jimmaureenrogers@worldnet.att.net>]

The author of this article claims he spoke to a lot of C++
programmers. He may have. He also posted a questionnaire on
comp.lang.c++.moderated asking specific questions about C++. The
thread in that newsgroup is titled "Whether C++?".
I know, it should be "Whither", as in the article, but he misspelled
the title in his posting.

I learned a lot from the responses to this article. Mostly I learned
that many C++ programmers know only C, C++, Java, and Perl. They do
not know about any languages not descended from C syntax.

For instance, several responders stated that the primary strength of
C++ is that it is the only language that gives you a choice of 
design paradigms (OO and non-OO) as well as generics and low level
programming capability. This is a clear indication that those
responders have no understanding of Ada.

There was general agreement that C++ is a very complex language.
It is so complex that, four years after its standardization, there
are no compilers fully compliant with the standard. Some people see
this as a problem. Some people see it as a good thing. I only hope
I do not have to work with anybody who thinks it is best to use a
tool that takes years of study before it can be used correctly.

I do not hate C++. I do have an aversion to ignorance masquerading
as knowledge. My conclusion from the thread was that many people
prefer C++ because they are ignorant of any alternatives.

Jim Rogers
Colorado Springs, Colorado USA

"Chris M. Moore" wrote:
> 
> http://www.byte.com/documents/s=1271/byt20010831s0001/0903_nichols.html