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  2. RPG400-L
  3. May 2003

Re: programming language genealogy

Steve Richter wrote: 
So when Flipper would communicate with the Ricks family using squeals and
clicks, was Flipper not using a language because her? way of talking is too
low level or did not have the potential for conversion to human speech?

Shouldnt a language avoid ambiguity, as in dont overload the term
"programming language" with a 2nd meaning that is not discernible from the
context of it use?

Huh?!?

There's a very clear difference between "language" and "programming language". Sammet's definition is meaningful because it describes more or less accurately the things we use for computer programming. In particular, her definition describes a programming language as something with a definite character set and syntax that can be recognized by a computer. Since we program computers using neither "squeals and clicks" nor plugboards (at least not anymore), a useful definition of "programming language" need not encompass those forms of communication.

Cheers! Hans



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