in reply to Re^2: Will Perl 6 Replace Perl 5?
in thread Will Perl 6 Replace Perl 5?

It is with great regret that I say, that each time this OP comes up, in the absence of its presence, it is Perl 6 that dies a little.

Surprisingly enough, though, software (and this includes programming language implementations) won't get written faster by people asking about it or complaining that it isn't written yet. This holds even more true if you want the software to be tried-and-tested to the point that it's usable.

What you need is a community of people, some of whom implement the thing, some who triage tests or bug reports, and some who write applications and stress-test the language. For that to happen, you need to encourage (some would say "hype") people into wanting to contribute. To top it off, Perl 6 in itself seems to attract people due to some of its features.

So, expectations are high, but it's partly because they need to be. Or you might help figure out another way to build a community besides having something worth forming a community around.

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Re^4: Will Perl 6 Replace Perl 5?
by BrowserUk (Patriarch) on Jan 04, 2010 at 17:33 UTC
    won't get written faster by people asking about it

    That was kinda my point.

    or complaining that it isn't written yet.

    By which you're implying that I should try my head for size in the hat of the non-contributor, and thence align myself in the sights of the fickle finger of blame.

    But if you wish to go that route, then you should consider the numbers of non-contributors--and more importantly--the numbers of ex-contributors, and ask the question: Why so many of the tens of thousands(?) that were caught up with the Pugs initiative fell by the wayside.

    For that to happen, you need to encourage (some would say "hype") people into wanting to contribute.

    And finally...that is exactly the point I was making. Each time the OP appears, (has to be asked), and the response is so low-key and dismissive, la petite mort goes a little deeper; spreads a little further; lasts a little longer.

    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.
[reply]

      Hmmm.

      Each time the OP appears, (has to be asked), and the response is so low-key and dismissive, la petite mort goes a little deeper; spreads a little further; lasts a little longer.
      I think I agree with you. However, this makes me glad because I don't think the responses are dismissive or low-key.

      Also, I remember a time when it was oft asked if C++ would replace C and clearly both of those languages today enjoy vibrant lives and even a mild form of cultural symbiosis. I expect that 10 or 15 years from now it will be similar for Perl 5 and Perl 6.

      duff

[reply]
        I don't think the responses are dismissive or low-key.

        In my defense, I think that the overall response has strengthened considerably since my first post.

        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.
[reply]
      By which you're implying that I should try my head for size in the hat of the non-contributor, and thence align myself in the sights of the fickle finger of blame.

      No, I'm not passing out blame. Just saying that comments from the outside have no particular effect on the speed by which Perl 6 is implemented. There are many things that do, and not just being a contributor of actual code, but any number of different roles that all help bring things forward: writing a throwaway script, reporting a bug, writing a test or blogging.

[reply]

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