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Pike – a dynamic programming language with a syntax similar to Java and C

pike.lysator.liu.se

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Re: Pike – a dynamic programming language with a syntax similar to Java and C

#4

Post by smac__ »

vinceguidry wrote: post #3

Taking the worst aspect of statically typed languages and mixing it with the worst part of dynamic schemes. I'll keep my Ruby, thanks.

Might be helpful to expand on what you mean specifically by the worst parts in your view and how Ruby's decisions provide better trade offs.

Re: Pike – a dynamic programming language with a syntax similar to Java and C

#5

Post by Alifatisk »

It claims to be one of the fastest “scripting” languages, where can I see the numbers? Does it perform close to DaScript?

Also, is it only an interpreted language or can I compile it too if I want?

Is it like Ruby in the sense that I have to share the whole runtime with the ruby script or can I somehow share a standalone cross-platform executable?

I’ll be honest, the design decision at first hand sight did not look that exciting

string name = Stdio.stdin->gets();

Re: Pike – a dynamic programming language with a syntax similar to Java and C

#6

Post by cess11 »

airstrike wrote: post #2

What's the itch this language is trying to scratch? For which use cases is it best suited?

Have you ever built games in LPC? It's kind of like that, but more cleanly general purpose. First class modules, hot updates, simple and familiar to those who know some algolians, things like that.

Re: Pike – a dynamic programming language with a syntax similar to Java and C

#7

Post by hmry »

Of all the strengths that Java and C have, I would not call syntax one of them. :) So this title seems quite strange. Not the sales pitch I would make.

It is understandable though, considering this language is 30+ years old. Probably not the decision you would make if you were to design it today: Switch statement with labels+fallthrough instead of a switch/match expression (even Java replaced that one with a switch expression nowadays), ?: ternary operator instead of if expression (the Pike docs even call that one ugly and recommend not using it)...

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