2014-04-26 10:52:28 -04:00
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candygrammar
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2014-04-26 11:54:15 -04:00
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n. A programming-language grammar that is mostly syntactic sugar ; the term
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is also a play on candygram. COBOL , Apple's Hypertalk language, and a lot
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of the so-called 4GL database languages share this property. The usual
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intent of such designs is that they be as English-like as possible, on the
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theory that they will then be easier for unskilled people to program. This
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intention comes to grief on the reality that syntax isn't what makes
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programming hard; it's the mental effort and organization required to
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specify an algorithm precisely that costs. Thus the invariable result is
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that candygrammar languages are just as difficult to program in as terser
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ones, and far more painful for the experienced hacker. [The overtones from
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the old Chevy Chase skit on Saturday Night Live should not be overlooked.
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This was a Jaws parody. Someone lurking outside an apartment door tries all
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kinds of bogus ways to get the occupant to open up, while ominous music
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plays in the background. The last attempt is a half-hearted Candygram! When
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the door is opened, a shark bursts in and chomps the poor occupant. [There
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is a similar gag in Blazing Saddles ESR] There is a moral here for those
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attracted to candygrammars. Note that, in many circles, pretty much the same
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ones who remember Monty Python sketches, all it takes is the word Candygram!
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, suitably timed, to get people rolling on the floor.
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