Re:Scala: sharp and gets things cut
by dragonwriter on Monday October 07, 2013 @09:09PM
(#6512373)
A bad programmer can write code with poor readability in any language. That's no excuse for a language that makes clear, concise code impossible.
> a language that makes clear, concise code impossible
Now you're simply overstating the case. Why?
This is a perfect example of my claim. There is this emotional component to the "Java boilerplate" argument that belies rationality. There is some other unstated reason advocates want Scala and are fitting the argument to that conclusion. Because it's cool? Big fish small pond syndrome?
I don't think that's true. Your phone has an autocomplete function for text input. You're still typing and reading the same language.
> a programmer who is aware of a case where being maximally concise impedes clarity can opt for a more explicit expression
By the same token, readers are held hostage by the poor decisions of overly concise Scala programmers. This is not theory, it really happens a nontrivial amount of time. You can blame the programmer if you want, but it's a point for Java readability.