On Wed, 23 Jan 2002, Chris Carline wrote: > In fact, perl 6 may be a far more attractive proposition as a CLR language due > to its fresh implementation. > > If successful (and I wouldn't underestimate the chances of Microsoft here), it > would mean that programmer productivity would actually start to mean something > again. And I already know which language *I'm* most productive in.
At one level I agree and look forward to the day when I can easily work in a language I feel most comfortable with. At another level it scares me to death. In anything less than the largest software houses, a standard language will be chosen and used because it will reduce the maintenance costs. There is nothing more likely to derail a project than coming across code that needs to be changed for which you don't have the available skills. As now, certain shops will specialise in certain languages, some will florish and others will die. In many respects building web-sites for human consumption is going the same way. Java is winning because management believe it is cheaper. Of course they are wrong but how do you convince them of it ? Where are the case studies ? Unless perl is accepted as a language of choice by *management* it will not be pre-eminent in this space. It will always find a place in the JFDI toolbag but it will not be the number one choice at a senior level. Simon. -- ENOSIG
