We as programmers dine upon a plethora of languages. Some of us choose to dine on rich and decadent languages such as Java, and .NET. Others choose the traditional elegance of languages such as C and Assembly. Some choose quick and light scripting languages such as PHP, Python, and Ruby.
The programming languages you dine on is based in the same principals as your culinary choices. These decisions are based in your culture. Many factors which contribute to your technical culture: where you learn, where you work, and where you play. Reading these cultural factors can help us understand why a person or an organization picks the languages they do.
Some of us choose us prefer a buffet of languages, and like to sample a little bit of every language. Some choose to stick with a couple core choices and savor every little piece of a language. On the other hand you have your diet specific programmers, such as you free software-gens, and the script-arians.
Sometimes our jobs require us to use a specific language, or the technology requires it. Utility is largest factor in choosing languages. Secondly what you learned and perfected you programming is a close second to choosing which language to use. Tertiary factors are general community factors, such as what are the current trends, what would you like to learn. All of these factors relate to how we choose food, what’s available to us to buy, what our families have eaten, and what we are recommended.
On a side note. The programming languages you choose to dine are signals to other programmers. Just as you culinary choices are signals to other people. These signs, and signals many times are more rooted in stereo type. So many programmers may learn a specific language to affect their appearance to others, just as some people make dining choices to impress other people.
Finally as I discussed earlier the biggest factor in choosing a programming language is the utility, and what we cut our teeth on. Just as many times primary food choices are based on utility, and then what we learned from our families. Understanding these factors can help us grow as programmer, and understand what programming languages we consume.
One Comment
Wow, I hadn't thought about it that way before. Good write up, very clearly written. Have you written previously about Decadant Languages? I'd love to read more.