Re: LUI: Language Usage Indicators page

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Re^2: LUI: Language Usage Indicators page by arbingersys (Pilgrim) on Mar 05, 2008 at 17:26 UTC
Can you tell me why you think they're silly? I realize that metrics like these only have a certain amount of value (part of the reason I try to include so many), but compared to the standard, anecdotal argument, I think they're at least better than that. Or at least they augment that. I think the anecdotal side is important as well. Is there a particular metric you don't like? If so, why? I'm happy to weed any that are truly unimportant. A blog among millions.	[reply]
Re^3: LUI: Language Usage Indicators page by roboticus (Chancellor) on Mar 05, 2008 at 17:52 UTC
Normally, you measure something so you can control it or make a decision based on it. I don't choose programming languages based on their popularity, and I can't think of anything I'd do that would be different because some popularity index changed. 'Course, it's your time to waste! ;^) ...roboticus	[reply]
Re^4: LUI: Language Usage Indicators page by arbingersys (Pilgrim) on Mar 05, 2008 at 18:11 UTC
Normally, you measure something so you can control it... Or, control the perception of it. A blog among millions.	[reply]
Re^3: LUI: Language Usage Indicators page by stiller (Friar) on Mar 05, 2008 at 17:36 UTC
First, it's a very weak connection between what can actually be measured and what one purport to measure. Second, why should I even care if language X is on the rise, or decline, if it's user base or kloc is huge or miniscule?	[reply]
Re^4: LUI: Language Usage Indicators page by kyle (Abbot) on Mar 05, 2008 at 18:54 UTC
why should I even care if language X is on the rise, or decline, if it's user base or kloc is huge or miniscule? There are different reasons for different people. Job seekers want to know what to learn so that they can be employed. Your favorite language may be great and all, but it won't matter if no one will hire you to write in it. Employers want to know how to implement their next project. They want a language known by many programmers so that it's easy to find people to work on the project now and in the future. Hobbyists want to know where they can get support. They want a language with a strong community and good documentation so they can teach themselves and get help when they're stuck. There are still other reasons for other people, probably.	[reply]
Re^5: LUI: Language Usage Indicators page by arbingersys (Pilgrim) on Mar 05, 2008 at 19:17 UTC
Re^4: LUI: Language Usage Indicators page by arbingersys (Pilgrim) on Mar 05, 2008 at 17:49 UTC
why should I even care if language X is on the rise, or decline, if it's user base or kloc is huge or miniscule? I think the broader question is, why do people care whether languages are "popular", or that its user base may be slipping? Why is this such a frequent topic of discussion? I can't say why you or anyone should care, but I do know that many people seem to. A blog among millions.	[reply]