Re: Ideas for Ada 200X

[18k11tm001@sneakemail.com (Russ)]

Stephen Leake <Stephe.Leake@nasa.gov> wrote in message news:<uhe6zw201.fsf@nasa.gov>...
> 18k11tm001@sneakemail.com (Russ) writes:
> 
> > This brings us full circle, back to the question of aesthetics. I say
> > that
> > 
> >     A += B
> > 
> > is far more elegant AND readable than
> > 
> >     Matrix_Add ( Into=>A, From=>B )
> > 
> > If you prefer the latter abomination, I think you're nuts.
> 
> Note the hyperbole, and the ad hominem attack.

I think Mr. Duff is adult enough to recognize a lighthearted figure of
speech and to realize that I was not literally challenging his sanity.
Besides, you are simply *assuming* that he prefers "Matrix_Add" to
"+=", but I don't recall reading his position on the matter.

> > Yes, "+=" is more familiar to me from C++, but note that Python uses
> > it too, and Python is known for its readability. I say that anyone
> > who cannot get used to "+=" (or ":+=" or whatever) is probably
> > someone who harbors such an irrational hatred of C++ that they will
> > reject even good ideas just because they came from from C++ (or C).
> 
> Just as you are rejecting the notion that Matrix_Add might be a good
> idea.

First of all, I never "rejected" Matrix_add. In fact, if I were
programming in Ada, I would use something just like it. I am only
pointing out a cleaner, more concise, and more readable alternative.

Secondly, I'll bet that far more programmers use "+=", when given the
option, than don't. How many C++ or Python programmers do you think
write var1 = var1 + var2 when they can write var1 += var2? Not many
good ones, I'll bet.

> None of us said "we can't get used to that". We said "it's an
> interesting idea, but not actually worth the cost, in the final
> analysis".

Boy, you really know how to dish out the crap, don't you.

First of all, what "cost" are you referring to? The cost of
conciseness and improved readability? Or are you referring to the
stress on mental midgets who are perplexed by a "fancy" operator like
"+="?

Secondly, who appointed you the king of comp.lang.ada and what gives
you the authority to speak for everyone else here?

> Notice that none of us called you nuts.

> Now go away and bother someone else, please :).

Oh, did I hurt your feelings when I pointed out the embarrassing
errors of some of your earlier posts? Oh, you poor little boy. Forgive
me.

By the way, I noticed that you boldly display your actual NASA email
address on every one of your posts. How clueless does one need to be
doing that in the year 2003? You must get boatloads of spam. And I'll
bet you haven't a clue that you're loading down your email server with
spam that needs to be filtered.

And do you realize that NASA doesn't appreciate having your ameteurish
views broadcast to the world, with no disclaimer, as if they were
official NASA policy? Your superiors ought to set you straight.