This post explores a shift in thinking about programming languages from individual entities to sets or families of languages. Instead of focusing on a single language's specific features, the author advocates for considering the shared characteristics and relationships between languages within a broader group. This approach involves recognizing core concepts and abstractions that transcend individual syntax, allowing for easier transfer of knowledge and the development of tools that can operate across multiple languages within a set. The author uses examples like the ML language family and the Lisp dialects to illustrate how shared underlying principles can unify seemingly disparate languages, leading to a more powerful and adaptable approach to programming.
Hillel Wayne presents a seemingly straightforward JavaScript code snippet involving a variable assignment within a conditional statement containing a regular expression match. The unexpected behavior arises from how JavaScript's RegExp object handles global flags. Because the global flag is enabled, subsequent calls to test() within the same regex object continue matching from the previous match's position. This leads to the conditional evaluating differently on subsequent runs, resulting in the variable assignment only happening once even though the conditional appears to be true multiple times. Effectively, the regex remembers its position between calls, causing confusion for those expecting each call to test() to start from the beginning of the string. The post highlights the subtle yet crucial difference between using a regex literal each time versus using a regex object, which retains state.
Hacker News users discuss various aspects of the perplexing JavaScript parsing puzzle. Several commenters analyze the specific grammar rules and automatic semicolon insertion (ASI) behavior that lead to the unexpected result, highlighting the complexities of JavaScript's parsing logic. Some point out that the ++ operator binds more tightly than the optional chaining operator (?.), explaining why the increment applies to the property access result rather than the object itself. Others mention the importance of tools like ESLint and linters for catching such potential issues and suggest that relying on ASI can be problematic. A few users share personal anecdotes of encountering similar unexpected JavaScript behavior, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of these parsing quirks. One commenter suggests the puzzle demonstrates why "simple" languages can be more difficult to master than initially perceived.
The author explores several programming language design ideas centered around improving developer experience and code clarity. They propose a system for automatically managing borrowed references with implicit borrowing and optional explicit lifetimes, aiming to simplify memory management. Additionally, they suggest enhancing type inference and allowing for more flexible function signatures by enabling optional and named arguments with default values, along with improved error messages for type mismatches. Finally, they discuss the possibility of incorporating traits similar to Rust but with a focus on runtime behavior and reflection, potentially enabling more dynamic code generation and introspection.
Hacker News users generally reacted positively to the author's programming language ideas. Several commenters appreciated the focus on simplicity and the exploration of alternative approaches to common language features. The discussion centered on the trade-offs between conciseness, readability, and performance. Some expressed skepticism about the practicality of certain proposals, particularly the elimination of loops and reliance on recursion, citing potential performance issues. Others questioned the proposed module system's reliance on global mutable state. Despite some reservations, the overall sentiment leaned towards encouragement and interest in seeing further development of these ideas. Several commenters suggested exploring existing languages like Factor and Joy, which share some similarities with the author's vision.
BritCSS is a humorous CSS framework that replaces American English spellings in CSS properties and values with their British English equivalents. It aims to provide a more "civilised" (British English spelling) styling experience, swapping terms like color for colour and center for centre. While functionally identical to standard CSS, it serves primarily as a lighthearted commentary on the dominance of American English in web development.
Hacker News users generally found BritCSS humorous, but impractical. Several commenters pointed out the inherent problems with trying to localize CSS, given its global nature and the established convention of using American English. Some suggested it would fragment the community and create unnecessary complexity in workflows. One commenter jokingly suggested expanding the idea to include other localized CSS versions, like Australian English, further highlighting the absurdity of the project. Others questioned the motivation behind targeting American English specifically, suggesting it stemmed from a place of anti-American sentiment. There's also discussion about the technical limitations and challenges of such an undertaking, like handling existing libraries and frameworks. While some appreciated the satire, the consensus was that BritCSS wasn't a serious proposal.
pdfsyntax is a tool that visually represents the internal structure of a PDF file using HTML. It parses a PDF, extracts its objects and their relationships, and presents them in an interactive HTML tree view. This allows users to explore the document's components, such as fonts, images, and text content, along with the underlying PDF syntax. The tool aims to aid in understanding and debugging PDF files by providing a clear, navigable representation of their often complex internal organization.
Hacker News users generally praised the PDF visualization tool for its clarity and potential usefulness in debugging PDF issues. Several commenters pointed out its helpfulness in understanding PDF internals and suggested potential improvements like adding search functionality, syntax highlighting, and the ability to manipulate the PDF structure directly. Some users discussed the complexities of the PDF format, with one highlighting the challenge of extracting clean text due to the arbitrary ordering of elements. Others shared their own experiences with problematic PDFs and expressed hope that this tool could aid in diagnosing and fixing such files. The discussion also touched upon alternative PDF libraries and tools, further showcasing the community's interest in PDF manipulation and analysis.
Mark Rosenfelder's "The Language Construction Kit" offers a practical guide for creating fictional languages, emphasizing naturalistic results. It covers core aspects of language design, including phonology (sounds), morphology (word formation), syntax (sentence structure), and the lexicon (vocabulary). The book also delves into writing systems, sociolinguistics, and the evolution of languages, providing a comprehensive framework for crafting believable and complex constructed languages. While targeted towards creating languages for fictional worlds, the kit also serves as a valuable introduction to linguistics itself, exploring the underlying principles governing real-world languages.
Hacker News users discuss the Language Construction Kit, praising its accessibility and comprehensiveness for beginners. Several commenters share nostalgic memories of using the kit in their youth, sparking their interest in linguistics and constructed languages. Some highlight specific aspects they found valuable, such as the sections on phonology and morphology. Others debate the kit's age and whether its information is still relevant, with some suggesting updated resources while others argue its core principles remain valid. A few commenters also discuss the broader appeal and challenges of language creation.
Parinfer simplifies Lisp code editing by automatically managing parentheses, brackets, and indentation. It offers two modes: "Paren Mode," where indentation dictates structure and Parinfer adjusts parentheses accordingly, and "Indent Mode," where parentheses define the structure and Parinfer corrects indentation. This frees the user from manually tracking matching delimiters, allowing them to focus on the code's logic. Parinfer analyzes the code as you type, instantly propagating changes and offering immediate feedback about structural errors, leading to a more fluid and less error-prone coding experience. It's adaptable to different indentation styles and supports various Lisp dialects.
HN users generally praised Parinfer for making Lisp editing easier, especially for beginners. Several commenters shared positive experiences using it with Clojure, noting improvements in code readability and reduced parenthesis-related errors. Some highlighted its ability to infer parentheses placement based on indentation, simplifying structural editing. A few users discussed its potential applicability to other languages, and at least one pointed out its integration with popular editors. However, some expressed skepticism about its long-term benefits or preference for traditional Lisp editing approaches. A minor point of discussion revolved around the tool's name and how it relates to its functionality.
Keon is a new serialization/deserialization (serde) format designed for human readability and writability, drawing heavy inspiration from Rust's syntax. It aims to be a simple and efficient alternative to formats like JSON and TOML, offering features like strongly typed data structures, enums, and tagged unions. Keon emphasizes being easy to learn and use, particularly for those familiar with Rust, and focuses on providing a compact and clear representation of data. The project is actively being developed and explores potential use cases like configuration files, data exchange, and data persistence.
Hacker News users discuss KEON, a human-readable serialization format resembling Rust. Several commenters express interest, praising its readability and potential as a configuration language. Some compare it favorably to TOML and JSON, highlighting its expressiveness and Rust-like syntax. Concerns arise regarding its verbosity compared to more established formats, particularly for simple data structures, and the potential niche appeal due to the Rust syntax. A few suggest potential improvements, including a more formal specification, tools for generating parsers in other languages, and exploring the benefits over existing formats like Serde. The overall sentiment leans towards cautious optimism, acknowledging the project's potential but questioning its practical advantages and broader adoption prospects.
Summary of Comments ( 20 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43360287
The Hacker News comments discuss the concept of "language sets" introduced in the linked gist. Several commenters express skepticism about the practical value and novelty of the idea, questioning whether it genuinely offers advantages over existing programming paradigms like macros, polymorphism, or code generation. Some find the examples unconvincing and overly complex, suggesting simpler solutions could achieve the same results. Others point out potential performance implications and the added cognitive load of managing language sets. However, a few commenters express interest, seeing potential applications in areas like DSL design and metaprogramming, though they also acknowledge the need for further development and clearer examples to demonstrate its usefulness. Overall, the reception is mixed, with many unconvinced but a few intrigued by the possibilities.
The Hacker News post "From Languages to Language Sets" sparks a discussion around the linked gist, which proposes the idea of "language sets" – combining multiple programming languages for different parts of a project based on their strengths. The comments section is moderately active, containing a mix of agreement, disagreement, and explorations of related concepts.
Several commenters express enthusiasm for the idea, highlighting the potential benefits of using specialized languages for specific tasks. One commenter points out how this approach mirrors existing practices, such as using SQL for database interactions within a larger application written in a different language. They argue that explicitly recognizing and formalizing these "language sets" could lead to better tool development and more structured project organization. Another commenter emphasizes the productivity gains that could be achieved by choosing the right language for each job, rather than being constrained by a single language's limitations. They also suggest that improved tooling around language sets could simplify the process of integrating different languages.
Others express skepticism or raise concerns. One commenter questions the novelty of the idea, suggesting that it simply describes the status quo of using multiple languages within a project. They argue that the term "language set" doesn't add much to the existing understanding of polyglot programming. Another commenter raises the issue of increased complexity when managing multiple languages, particularly regarding tooling, debugging, and team communication. They acknowledge the potential benefits but caution against overlooking the practical challenges.
The discussion also delves into related topics. One commenter mentions the concept of "internal DSLs" (Domain-Specific Languages) and suggests that creating small, specialized languages within a larger project could be a more effective alternative to full-blown language sets. Another commenter draws parallels to the microservices architecture pattern, arguing that language sets could be seen as a similar approach applied to programming languages rather than services.
Overall, the comments reflect a mixed reception to the idea of "language sets." While some see it as a valuable way to formalize and improve existing polyglot programming practices, others question its novelty and express concerns about increased complexity. The discussion also touches upon related concepts like internal DSLs and microservices, enriching the conversation around the central theme of choosing the right tools for the job.