[plt-scheme] Re: Programming for non-programmers

Matthias Felleisen <matthias at ccs.neu.edu> writes:

>   For list-related administrative tasks:
>   http://list.cs.brown.edu/mailman/listinfo/plt-scheme
>
> As everyone has probably noticed by now, there are
> two radically different notions of programming at play:
>
>   Definition 1: systematically design and re-design (factor)
>   an application. Typically others use this software, and
>   also typically this software is maintained over some time.
>   But not always.
>
>   Definition 2: get the computer to do something for you,
>   anything almost (even if it is not quite right).
>
> And 2 is the winning notion, even if it's wrong. Then
> again even though it is wrong for all kinds of reasons,
> it has a place.
>
> As some of you have realized this is the heart of the problem.

This is a variation of the Worse is Better dialectic:

http://www.dreamsongs.com/WorseIsBetter.html

Richard Gabriel wrestled with these competing philosophies in a series
of essays, which may be of some interest to those not familiar with
them.

I commend you for throwing your hat into the Right is Better ring.

> -- Matthias

George