Programming Languages

Since the beginning of software development, we have used the same programing techniques, the author mentions that this is because it “closely resembles how a computer works at the hardware level: the processor fetches data from memory, performs elementary opera- tions on it, and writes the result back to a memory cell” (Hinsen, 2009). The only different technique that has been developed is functional programming, which was developed as a mathematical theory first and then into a programming language called LISP. So, we have two different approaches: functional programming and imperative programming.   Functional programming consists on composing functions for computations, just as previously mentioned, this paradigm was first a mathematical theory and thus a function is “a mapping from input values to output values” (Hinsen, 2009) not to be confused with subroutines. A big difference between functions from functional programming and from imperative programming is that functiona...

The reading "The Semicolon Wars" talks about the issues that come naturally from having many programming languages. One of the main issues is the lack of standardization of the context-free grammars and the immense number of programming languages. I understand the different approaches they have to work (Object-Oriented, Imperative, Declarative and Functional) but I believe that there is a need for standardization. I deeply agree with the statement that a programming language can be used as a tool to expand your understanding or as a thinking limitation. The author mentions " Object-oriented notions are now so deeply ingrained that they influence almost every new language " (Hayes, 2006) and I think this is really a problem because the Object-oriented approach is powerful but far from perfect as any of the other approaches.  The author mentions " I write programs in Lisp for the same reason I write prose in English—not because it’s the best language, but becau...

Hi! I am expecting to learn more about the different programming languages and their uses. Also to understand why are there different programming languages and we still do not have an ultimate language. Whenever I am free I like to play musical instruments, learning how to play them is part of the fun. As of now I play Viola, Violin, Bass, Traverse Flute, Accordion, Piano, among others. Also I enjoy going to the movies and reading, I like action and superhero movies and action and philosophy books. The last thing I enjoy the most of my free time is programming contests, I like to challenge myself and try to solve programming challenges.  My favorite band is Red Hot Chili Peppers and I really like punk rock. As of TV I am currently watching Vikings and Brooklyn 99 so I like both comedy and tragic series. I hope you all have a great day.