Why Study Programming Languages
10 hours ago
- #exploration
- #language-design
- #programming-languages
- The class discusses the study of programming languages and starts with two questions: why design new languages and what defines a programming language.
- Common reasons for designing new languages (abstraction, performance, convenience) are subjective and don't predict popularity.
- Programming languages evolve by borrowing features from each other, converging in functionality while differing in syntax.
- Expertise in a language varies—mastery enables advanced techniques (e.g., bit manipulation in C, abstractions in Haskell).
- A hypothesis: new languages are created to explore ideas inaccessible in existing languages, enabling unforeseen innovations.
- Defining a programming language involves more than syntax or semantics—it includes ecosystem, libraries, and community support.
- A tentative definition: a programming language is defined by syntax, semantics, and ecosystem, supporting exploration.
- The study of programming languages covers syntax, semantics, tooling (IDEs, debuggers), and design, with arbitrary academic divisions.
- Encouragement to create unconventional languages, prioritizing exploration over practicality or measurable benefits.