Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!srcsip!msi-s0.msi.umn.edu!cs.umn.edu!dmshq!com50!quest!digibd!rhealey From: rhealey@digibd.com (Rob Healey) Newsgroups: comp.lang.c Subject: Re: Seven Original Sins of K&R Message-ID: <1990Sep28.151714.25938@digibd.com> Date: 28 Sep 90 15:17:14 GMT References: <12777@sdcc6.ucsd.edu> Organization: Digiboard Incorporated, St. Louis Park, MN Lines: 49 In article <12777@sdcc6.ucsd.edu> 75746.3411@compuserve.com writes: >The author of this does not have access to the news groups. >He asked me to post this and see what comments it generates. >Any correspondence should be sent to him at the internet address >included in the header. > > Seven Original Sins of K&R > by Philip J. Erdelsky > Compuserve: 75746,3411 > Internet: 75746.3411@compuserve.com > September 22, 1990 > Just general comment on the whole document: C wasn't designed to be a general purpose language, it was designed to help in the porting of an OS. C is a language that is more useful for OS work than for intro to programming 101. C is also not for people who have traditionally had their hands held by a compiler, i.e. strong typing and a plethora of data types. C is best used in situations where you need to avoid strong typing rather than encourage it. Most of the complaints in this article would be best solved if the author used the correct language for the task, one with strong typing and features that held your hands along the way so you didn't have to think as hard or be as careful. C isn't the only language in the world, use the language that best fits your need. These people who want A language to be all things to all applications are attacking the problem from the wrong angle. If I want quick, simple and dirty BASIC does a good job. If I want to do a device driver and feel too lazy to use assembly I'll use C. If I want to do database work I'll use SQL or a 4GL. If I want to do expert systems I'll use LISP, scheme or an OOL. As the man said: "The right tool for the right job" Rather than turning C into the Ada from HELL, use a better language for your needs. 'Nuff said, -Rob Speaking for self, not company.