Computerphile: Discussion on least favorite programming languages, with JavaScript frequently mentioned due to its quirks like hoisting and lack of structure.
Computerphile - What's Your Least Favourite Programming Language? (2024 soundcheck question) - Computerphile
The conversation revolves around various individuals sharing their least favorite programming languages. JavaScript is frequently criticized for its confusing features like hoisting, lack of structure, and dynamic typing, which can lead to errors that are hard to trace. One participant mentions a self-developed language during their PhD, highlighting the importance of naming and usability. PHP is also criticized for being outdated and less useful compared to modern alternatives like Python. Lisp is mentioned for its excessive use of brackets, making it cumbersome to work with. COBOL is criticized for being outdated and cumbersome, though it was historically significant for business applications. The discussion highlights personal preferences and frustrations with certain programming languages, often due to their syntax, usability, or the context in which they are used.
Key Points:
- JavaScript is disliked for hoisting and lack of structure, making it confusing and error-prone.
- PHP is considered outdated and less useful compared to Python for web development.
- Lisp is criticized for its heavy use of brackets, making it difficult to read and write.
- COBOL is seen as outdated, though it was important for business applications in the past.
- Personal experiences and preferences heavily influence opinions on programming languages.
Details:
1. 🤔 JavaScript Hoisting Confusion
- JavaScript is often cited as a least favorite programming language due to its confusing hoisting behavior.
- Developers express frustration with JavaScript's hoisting, which can lead to unexpected behavior in code execution.
- Understanding JavaScript hoisting is crucial for developers to avoid bugs and write more predictable code.
- Improving comprehension of hoisting can enhance JavaScript coding practices and reduce errors.
- For example, variables declared with 'var' are hoisted to the top of their scope, which can lead to unexpected 'undefined' values if not properly understood.
- A strategic approach to mastering hoisting involves studying specific examples and practicing code refactoring to ensure clarity and predictability.
2. 😒 General JavaScript Dislike
- JavaScript's hoisting feature causes confusion as it allows variables to be used before they are declared, which is seen as lacking clear benefits.
- Developers often find hoisting counterintuitive because it can lead to unexpected behavior in code execution.
- For example, using a variable before its declaration can lead to undefined values, making debugging more challenging.
- Understanding hoisting requires a deeper knowledge of JavaScript's execution context, which can be a barrier for new developers.
3. 🧪 Personal Programming Experiments
- The speaker developed a programming language named 'converge' during their PhD, which they describe as a 'bad language' due to personal development limitations, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes.
- The language is similar to Python but includes additional features aimed at enhancing existing programming paradigms, though specific features are not detailed.
- The speaker highlights the significance of correctly naming and pronouncing programming languages, as they encountered a pronunciation error with 'converge.'
- This project served as a valuable personal learning experience, though the speaker doubts its broader educational impact, indicating a focus on personal growth rather than widespread adoption.
4. 😤 PHP and Lisp Discontent
4.1. PHP Criticism
4.2. Lisp and JavaScript Criticism
5. 😡 JavaScript Frustrations
5.1. JavaScript Typing and Safety Issues
5.2. JavaScript Library Evolution Challenges
6. 📜 COBOL and the Millennium Bug
- COBOL was extensively used in business applications during the 60s and 70s, resulting in a vast amount of legacy code by the year 2000.
- The Millennium Bug, or Y2K problem, emerged because many software systems could not handle the transition from the year 1999 to 2000, primarily due to date formats that used only two digits for the year.
- A significant portion of the software affected by the Millennium Bug was written in COBOL, creating a surge in demand for programmers skilled in this language to address the issues.
- Joe Smith, a fictional COBOL programmer, exemplifies individuals who capitalized on the demand for COBOL expertise during the Y2K crisis, profiting by fixing COBOL programs.
- The narrative humorously suggests COBOL's enduring relevance, illustrated by a fictional scenario where Joe Smith is needed again in the year 99,999.
