Re^2: The future of Perl?

Your post seems to imply that the problem is the language itself. I don't see it that way; and a recent study, probably the most comprehensive of its type ever, seems to support that.

People and companies don't pick (or not pick) programming languages based upon syntax or features. They are picked on the basis of perceptions; and perceptions are influenced by a huge variety of factors; of which syntax is well down the order.

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'

Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.

"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".

In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

Comment on Re^2: The future of Perl?

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Re^3: The future of Perl? by mr_mischief (Monsignor) on Nov 06, 2014 at 21:20 UTC
I don't discount at all that perception is the main problem. I think Perl is a wonderful language overall myself. The perceptions of it being complex, deep, broad, and somewhat arcane start somewhere, though. They are also reinforced when people come to the language and have such issues as did WoodyWeaver. Should the rough spots be enough to keep people away from Perl? No, I don't think so. However, the rough spots do little to discourage the negative perceptions of incantations via line noise. Smaller, more regular, and more orthogonal languages are less susceptible to these perceptions and to some extent to these realities. One of the ways for Perl to really answer critics is to overcome the perceptions, not allow things that reinforce them when someone ventures past the anti-Perl hype.	[reply]

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Re^3: The future of Perl?
by mr_mischief (Monsignor) on Nov 06, 2014 at 21:20 UTC

I don't discount at all that perception is the main problem. I think Perl is a wonderful language overall myself. The perceptions of it being complex, deep, broad, and somewhat arcane start somewhere, though. They are also reinforced when people come to the language and have such issues as did WoodyWeaver.

Should the rough spots be enough to keep people away from Perl? No, I don't think so. However, the rough spots do little to discourage the negative perceptions of incantations via line noise. Smaller, more regular, and more orthogonal languages are less susceptible to these perceptions and to some extent to these realities. One of the ways for Perl to really answer critics is to overcome the perceptions, not allow things that reinforce them when someone ventures past the anti-Perl hype.

[reply]