Re: Paul Graham's Arc is released today... what is the long term impact?

Joost Diepenmaat wrote:
George Neuner <gneuner2/@/comcast.net> writes:

Then why not write an "fn" macro?

Sure I can work around it, and I probably will use a "fn" macro in the
future, but the point I was trying to make is that "lambda" is just an
unfortunate choice for a *very prominent* keyword.

If I used some-obscure-and-very-long-name a lot in some section of code,
I would write a macro and not think about it twice, but having to write a
macro just to change the name of something so ubiquitous smells of a bad
design choice, since I'd use it everywhere.

Indeed, I want my code to read like a text message from one of my thirteen year old cousins. I've always been suspicious of people who use big words, anyway. Think about how much more efficient public debate has become since we've introduced sound bites and message advertisements. I'm sorry, ads. Any concept fundamental to a system of thought is best conveyed in a staccato rhythm of short syllables, much like the quacking of a duck.

Hell, even "lambda calculus" has the fussy sound of having come from the liberal elite. That's five syllables to name something which was meant to explain the underpinning of logical thought. And who does that, anyway? I got the underpinning of logical thought for ya', right here. My fist and your face. Argue with that, egg head. Oh, and that stupid "amb da" part. Hard to say. Should have just been "da calculus". Kinda like "da Bears".[1] Makes a nice short name, too.

(funcall (da (x) (dwim x)))

What function? Da function. It ain't got no name. It's just da function. What are you, some kind of commie? Oh, and funcall. What kind of name is that? I just want it to do something.

(do (da (x) (dwim x)))

Just do da thing, you know what I mean, Poindexter? Now that's progress.


[1] Can you tell I live in Chicago?
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