Re: IBM Acquires Rational Ada

[Richard Riehle <richard@adaworks.com>]

Hyman Rosen wrote:

> Grein, Christoph wrote:
> > Oh, thanx, Fraser, for enlightening me what all this unreadable C junk means :-)
>
> This "unreadable C junk" runs the internet, and the newsgroup software
> which is allowing you to disseminate your contempt. You should have a
> little respect for your grandpappy.

Yes, and back on the farm we kept equipment operating by clever
use of baling wire.

One of my colleagues asked me recently why I was so reluctant to
use C or C++ for my programs.   I replied that C++ was reminiscent
of the strike-anywhere matches our grandpappies named "barnburners."

Just today, I was reading a book on software architecture in which the
authors acknowledged that the vast marjority of C++ is noted for
being unmaintainable by anyone except its creator.

The fact that C and C++ is so widely used to create popular
software is no different than the fact that so many people
select MacDonald's, Burger King, or Kentucky Fried
Mynah Bird, for their sustenance under the illusion they
are actually being nourished.   The fact that something is
popular does not make it good.

I am required, during these past couple of years, to spend
more and more time with C++.  The more time I spend
with it, the more horrified I am at the thought it is being
used for our military weapon systems.

If C++ is the best we can do, this industry is in trouble
for a very long time to come.

Richard Riehle