Class 03: The Evolution of Some Key Language Features

Held: Friday, January 26, 2007

Summary: Today we consider a variety of issues pertaining to Ryder et al.'s paper. Some issues are more general (e.g., how do you read a paper), while others bear on the specific relationships the group identifies between software engineering and programming languages.

Related Pages:

• EBoard.
• Reading: Barbara Ryder et al. - The Impact of Software Engineering Research on Modern Programming Languages and Ed Nather - The Story of Mel, a Real Programmer.

Assignments

• Homework 2: Permutations.

Notes:

• There was some confusion about the readings. Note that I do my best to distribute readings two classes in advance. Hence, the readings you get today you should read for next Wednesday.

Overview:

• The Story of Mel, a Real Programmer.
• Reading Ryder et al.
• Major Characteristics.
• Relating to Past Papers.

The Story of Mel, a Real Programmer

• What were the key points?
• Why might this suggest that programming is an art?

Reading Ryder et al.

• What is the thesis?
• What evidence is used to support that thesis?
• Is the evidence sufficient?
• How was that evidence gathered?
• What biases are there in the way the thesis is stated or argued?
• Are there any parts of the paper that undermine the thesis?

Major Characteristics

• What are some major characteristics of programming languages that Ryder describes?
• How long did the evolution of those characteristics from theory into regular practice take?
• Were there particular characteristics you were surprised to see?

Relating to Past Papers

• Are there developments that Ryder describes that Sammet predicted?
• What other similarities and differences do you see when comparing the two papers?