Re: Choosing a new language

[Gary Scott <garylscott@sbcglobal.net>]

Rico Secada wrote:
> Hi. 
> 
> First let me start by saying, please don't let this become a
> flame-thing.
> 
> Second, I need some advice.
> 
> I am a 35 year old programmer, who program in C/C++, PHP and Bourne
> Shell almost daily.
> 
> I am currently going to start focusing on becoming more skilled at a
> few key languages, rather than knowing many (which I do on a more
> superficial level). 
> 
> My key languages are C, PHP and SH (Bourne Shell), and I have stopped
> using C++ because I find that its a C-hack rather than a good design
> choice. 
> 
> I have made the following decision:
> 
> To study Ada and use it instead of C++. I come from a Pascal background
> and I love the Ada syntax and wide area of usage. I am also attracted
> to Ada because of its usage in the industry.
> 
> Now I have three more languages that I am very attracted to, but I
> prefer to focus on just one of them:
> 
> Python, Haskell and Lisp.
> 
> I have been doing some reading and some coding, and I am mainly
> attracted towards Lisp because of its ability to "fix a
> running program".
> 
> But I find that Haskell is a more powerful language. Yet again Python
> has a huge user base and many libraries, and it is implemented
> everywhere, where Haskell and Lisp on the other hand hasn't. 
> 
> I like the syntax of all three, and I have gotten beyond the
> "confusion" stage of Lisp parentheses, so they don't bother me at all.
> 
> I need advice from people who have been coding in all three, and who
> can share some views and experiences.
> 
> Please, if you don't know ALL three by deep experience, don't respond to
> this thread!
> 
> Thanks and best regards!
> 
> Rico.
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-- 

Gary Scott
mailto:garylscott@sbcglobal dot net

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