I would argue that even an esoteric, densely packed one-liner can still be more readable than the equivalent program spread out over a greater number of lines - simply because you can keep it all in sight at the same time and work through it without losing the bigger picture.

But of course, scary symbols is scary.

So you'd like to use APL, then? He didn't say symbols. Verbose code can be much easier, though stupidly verbose is stupid. Compromise is, as usual, the best solution.

I've created this account with my very own purpose, what about you? It is to lurk less, and it's the first account that sticks because this time I remembered to whitelist HN in my cookie autodeleter.

Nevertheless, it is you who choose to engage with my comments on such a dismissive note. I am prepared that my statements will initially be called ridiculous, but speaking one's mind is a great way to learn faster and there's always plenty to catch up with.