, 1 min read
Why are dynamic languages easier than static languages?
Dynamic langages like Python or Ruby are considerably easier than static languages like Java and C++. John is asking us why:
How do you account for the huge increases in productivity that dynamic language advocates say they experience.
My answer is duck typing. It is powerful because formal and tight definitions are hard and less useful than we might expect.
The difference is fundamental:
| Static view | Dynamic view |
|---|---|
| Tight definitions | Duck typing |
| Ontologies | Folksonomies |
| Specific solutions | Generic solutions |
Further reading:
- My answer to John on Stack Overflow.
- My post Duck Typing, Artificial Intelligence and Philosophy.