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C00002 00002 reflections...In a pig's eye!!! (or "all that glitters isn't gold")
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reflections...In a pig's eye!!! (or "all that glitters isn't gold")
it's time to shit or get off the pot(≡Programmer, Old and Tired)
the problem isn't language but is environment in which we program.
structured programming
program is not structured per se, but programming should be.
what is interesting
syntax isn't
compilation isn't
compilers, syntax analysis have done much to retard development of c.s.
semantics is
structure of language system
problems in programming are not in efficiency but in correctness!!!!!!!
people gasp at represetnation of lisp-like inefficiency, but are
conditioned to long programming development and debugging time, buggy
programs and crap. even if machines were made ten-times faster
debugging problem would not go away,(but LISP interpretation
would be acceptable)
required: n. nec fol proofs but proofs with "conviction".
all languages are bad: some are worse than others
want lisp-like lang; why is it better/different. what is "lisp-like"?(LISP,EL1)
why is LISP still around? very strange reasons given...
what is feasible, desireable, useful...
not mind reader
not knowledge of programming area
programs which try to be smart lose very big.
know about programming lang, ...
competent and QUIET assitant is reasonable
what is wrong with lisp
1) NOT syntax; sexprs are data structures; mexprs are lang
2) closures not done well: better control structures
3) d.s. weak
a) for user
b) for LISP i.e. implementation of THE interpreter not AN interpreter
what is lisp-like lang
1) interpreter based
2) which works on NATURAL rep of prog.
clearly other languages can effect the map-- all are disgustingly the same--
but lisp did it intentionally
why it's good for you
software problem: get programs which work. demonstrably correct
problem is conceptual not technological
l.s system
do NOT want "smart" system. pain in ass
do NOT want "mind-reader" system. pain in ass
invaribly "stupid".
"structured" of "structured programming" occurs in construction
cf. siftup
what is structured programming. (sic)ing.
easier to say what it is NOT. not block structure, not APL
system components language; command language to manipualtee progs
editor debugger, verifier, interpreter, compiler
how to make lisp better
user defined data stuctures
what is d.s.? dunno.
more that stupid program...conceptually different
like type...abstract syntax
abstract control....cf. set var
operations must map somehow to ppl.
system must be able to manipulate programs to tell if correct.
EL1 on right track, but more expansive than mec. for first try.
want supset of EL1 or superset of LISP