Cobra is not for me

[mperdeck]

Hi Chuck,

I'm a .Net developer, working in Visual Basic.NET, C#. And T-SQL, JavaScript, CSS, XML, HTML, the .Net framework, etc.

I had a brief look at Cobra. I especially like the support for code quality. I think contracts, nil tracking and enhanced asserts are great features, which as you point out are (sadly) not supported in VB and C#.

Here is my point: I dearly wished that instead of inventing a new language, someone would enhance the languages I already work with (VB, C#) with those additional code quality features. Because that is the only way I would use those features. Please let me explain.

I currently work with 3 procedural languages: VB, C#, JavaScript (4 if you consider SQL stored procedures), which can be confusing at times, with their syntax being almost (but not totally) the same. I'd much prefer to use only one language - eg. C# on both .Net, on the client and in SQL stored procedures. That would save a lot of time looking up language details. I don't really want to learn another procedural language.

Also, I have only so much time and energy each day to learn new skills. I tend to use my time on skills that I believe will help me do a better job, impress my boss, boost my resume or get me a better hourly rate. Currently I'm focusing on the new features in the .Net platform (LINQ, WPF), because I know I'll be using those. Meanwhile, I also try to have a life outside IT.

If you find a way to enhance VB or C# with contracts, etc., I'll invest time today to learn all about it - because I'll be able to use it in my projects tomorrow at work.

Alternatively, if you could persuade Microsoft to implement contracts, nil tracking and enhanced asserts right in the next verrsions of the C# and VB languages, I would be grateful

Wishing you lots of success in your endeavors,

Matt

[Charles]

Hi Matt,

I understand your individual perspective. Learning new languages is not for everyone. Embracing a pre-1.0 language is for even fewer.

But from a global perspective, new languages are quite valuable as evidenced by C#, Python and others. Had their authors decided that instead of creating a new language, it was enough to enhance the then-current offerings, we wouldn't even have a C# or Python!

And languages like Python, Perl and Ruby demonstrate that a new language need not come from a major company or university to gain popularity, which gives me further encouragement.

I will continue with my current plans for Cobra of opening the source, installing Trac, squashing bugs, filling gaps and providing support here on the forum. Enhancing C#, VB, Java, C++, etc. is for others to do.

Thanks,
Chuck

[neuruss]

I'd like to add that nobody is able to improve C# or VB.NET, unless he works for Microsoft.
Microsoft owns these languages and, since they are not an open source company, they don't accept contributions from anyone.

However, Microsoft do encourage developers to create an implement other languages for the .NET framework.
They even facilitate a version of Visual Studio shell for creating IDEs for these languages.

neuruss

[didikunz]

Hi Chuck,

Cobra is not for me also, BUT only now! To me it looks like a very good combination of all the stongest features of the different programming languages out there, without the weak parts. I will have an eye on the language and shure will try it out, as soon as a Visual Studio plug-in is avalable (as a non 10-finger-typer I desperately need code completition). Keep up the good work!!!

Regards: Didi

[Charles]

Thanks for the encouraging words, Didi!