Ask HN: Why haven't we seen more languages compile like Java/C#?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37212612
by 0dayz • 3 years ago
1 3 3 years ago

I've always been interested in these language's compilation process, since it seem to strike a balance between low-level native code like C and high-level code like Python with much easier cross-platform support & better performance than interpreted languages.

However, the fact is both of these languages are OOP is not necessarily a shame but I think it limits the potential of said tech, but also from personal experience I have some issues with, not with OO paradigm itself but more how C#/Java implemented "everything is an object", with mixed result:

* The good being that they added enhancements like abstract classes and interface (and probably more)

* The bad being that it becomes more about "taming" the object with:

- Access modifiers (public, private, protected, etc.).

- Interfaces, which I like, but defining interfaces for every class can become overwhelming.

- Even design patterns, also a good idea, however at least for me I will spend way too much time second guessing myself if the design pattern I choose was the correct one and other's input seems more opinionated rather than objective.

Hence I think that this over-engineering is what has caused a lot of programmers to be so cynical about OOP & about how Rust & Golang being such "breath of fresh air".

The question then is, despite of at least some benefits of C# (like how C# is slowly becoming a good alternative for gamedev or C# is the primary language for creating addons for FFXIV) - why do we not see:

1. More languages take at least some inspiration of the C#/Java approach to compiling the code?

2. Have languages that are almost a carbon copy of C#/Java's compilation without treating everything like an object - similar to C++.

Need to stress of course I understand that the history of the development of C# and Java was probably tens of millions of R&D.

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