undefined | Better HN

0 pointsokeuro491mo ago0 comments

I've used a dynamically typed language extensively. I don't think they are suited for anything but small scripts.

Refactoring is a nightmare, as as types don't exist, the compiler can't help you if you try to access a property that doesn't exist.

I think generally people have realised this, and there are attempts to retrofit types onto dynamically typed languages.

0 comments

zahlman1mo ago

To "realize" that it would have to be true. The longer I've stuck with untyped Python the more I've preferred it, and the more I've seen people tie themselves in knots trying to make the annotations do impossible (or at least difficult) things. (It also takes away bandwidth for metaprogramming with the annotations.)

hyperhello1mo ago

It bugs me that there are two kinds of languages. Parameters and variables could be typed optionally in a dynamic language; either error in the compiler or at runtime; otherwise you just haven’t made any type errors while you coded and the code is fine either way.

zahlman1mo ago

This is what gradual typing (such as TypeScript, or the use of Python annotations for type-checking) accomplishes. The issue is that it basically always is bolted on after the fact. I have faith that we aren't at the end of PL history, and won't be surprised if the next generation of languages integrate gradual typing more thoughtfully.

BoingBoomTschak1mo ago

The problem with these two languages is that the runtime type system is completely different (and much weaker) than the compile time one; so that the only way to be safe is to statically type the whole program.

CL has a pretty anemic type system, but at least it does gradual without having to resort to this.

hyperhello1mo ago

JavaScript caught on because it was the best casual language. They've been trying to weigh it down ever since with their endless workgroup functionality and build processes. If we get a next generation casual language, it'll have to come from some individual who wants it to happen.

HappMacDonald1mo ago

No, JavaScript caught on because at the time it was the only game in town for writing web front-ends, and then people wanted it to run on the server side so that they could share code and training between front end and back end.

1 more reply

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

0 comments

zahlman1mo ago

hyperhello1mo ago

zahlman1mo ago

BoingBoomTschak1mo ago

CL has a pretty anemic type system, but at least it does gradual without having to resort to this.

hyperhello1mo ago

HappMacDonald1mo ago

1 more reply

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse