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?
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed Feb 20 2002 - 03:20:12 EST