Is this a true statement: Part II

MDK no at spam.com
Fri Jun 29 14:48:23 EDT 2001


Hello,

Well, I was overwhelmed by the number of posts that resulted from the
following statement:

"Python can do everything C++ can do but just slower."

Actually, it was not so much the quantity of the posts as it was the depth
at which the discussions on principles, theories, and practices of computer
science were explored.

My purpose for this post was really not so esoteric;  I did not have device
drivers in mind when I posted.  However, I did enjoy reading them.

I am not sure after reading all the replies that I can say with confidence
yes or no.  I think that I can at least say this (if I understand most of
what was said):

1. Excluding writing device drivers the answer is a clear yes.
2. Including writing device drivers, and depending upon ones definition of
certain terms:
     a. Python can be used but perhaps not in the sense of 'pure' Python
programming.
     b. On the other hand, Python can be used to program device drivers in
so much as an hex editor can be used.

Perhaps this is oversimplification and to some it's just wrong.  But, what
can I say?  It got a little weird there.

Anyway, of all the things that I'd learned from these readings the thing
that surprised me the most were the statements regarding C++.  My impression
of C++ was that it was the end-all, be-all of languages and if you wanted to
write a serious program you wrote it in C++.  However, I'd seen in the posts
at least once the word 'awful' to describe it.  At least one person agreed
and no one rebelled.  So here is my second question - and explain it in such
a way that I can explain it to my boss.

Why is C++ awful; what's wrong with it?

Best regards,
Mark

P.S. I know that this is off topic now but you don't expect me to post this
question to the C++ forum, do you?





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