Languages, Levels, Libraries, and Longevity

Authors:
John R. Mashey
Affiliations:
Techviser
Venue:
Queue - Programming Languages
Year:
2004

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Abstract

New programming languages are born every day. Why do some succeed and some fail? In 50 years, we've already seen numerous programming systems come and (mostly) go, although some have remained a long time and will probably do so for: decades? centuries? millennia? The questions about language designs, levels of abstraction, libraries, and resulting longevity are numerous. Why do new languages arise? Why is it sometimes easier to write new software than to adapt old software that works? How many different levels of languages make sense? Why do some languages last in the face of "better" ones?