nbecker@fred.net writes:
>
> I have read with interest the discussion of c++ vs. FORTRAN. I am
> personally quite interested in generic programming in c++ for DSP and
> numeric applications. I have been heavily using c++ since the first
> version was released from ATT.
>
> In my opinion we have a serious problem with c++. It is now possible
> to write, for example, a generic matrix package such as MTL. The
> problem is, writing and comprehending this arcane code requires skill
> far beyond even most highly experienced c++ programmers level. It is
> not just that the level is advanced, in the sense of some linear
> progression. It is that the methods needed are absolutely
> nonintuitive. No FORTRAN program ever did anything asked for such
> twisted logic as the magic incantations of MTL's meta-programming.
>
> Generic programming is clearly a prize worthy of pursuit. As it
> currently stands, C++ does not support it. I say that because in it's
> current form, only the few mystic priests can write such code.
>
> What we really need is direct support for generic programming with a
> language that is truly capable of representing the concepts in an
> intuitive manner.
>
> Anyone else have any thoughts?
>
Let's not confuse two issues here. C++ _does_ support generic
programming, as well as or better than any language I've seen. I think
the issue is whether generic programming is a suitable technique with
which to write general-purpose matrix packages.
And the criterion for suitability is not whether the package is easy to
write and comprehend. The criteria are whether the package has an
_interface_ that is easy for _users_ to comprehend and whether it
performs well. I submit that double exp(double) has a very arcane
software implementation (often written in nonportable assembler and
full of magic numbers, among other things) but that this function is
nonetheless a great success, because the interface is easy to
understand and it is (usually) efficient enough.
Having said that, I'll admit that my experience base with generic matrix
packages is so shallow that I don't have a useful opinion on whether
generic programming is a suitable implementation technique.
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Apr 10 2000 - 12:47:56 EST