[Haskell-beginners] FW: question

[Brent Yorgey]

On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 06:42:57PM +0200, Magnus Therning wrote:
> On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 12:36:51PM -0400, Brent Yorgey wrote:
> > On Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 10:40:17AM -0400, David Place wrote:
> > > On Jul 14, 2011, at 10:20 AM, Roelof Wobben wrote:
> > > 
> > > > The initial question was about the difference between what you call Latex and Haskell symbols.
> > > > 
> > > > I must say that this book explains things better then the other books I tried.
> > > 
> > > On the web page for that book, there are a number of code sample
> > > files to download.  Maybe you could look there for some good
> > > concrete examples of syntax.    Note that they are in Literary
> > > Programming Style.  
> > 
> > Usually that is called "literate" programming style.  However, I like
> > very much the idea of a literary programming style.  Good programs
> > should read like gripping novels. =)
> 
> Like mystery novels, with twists and unexpected turns?
> 
> That's often what programs do read like, but I would much prefer them
> to be like books for small children; concise, to the point, and
> exceedingly easy to read, even when one is tired.

It depends on the type of program.  If you have a complicated story to
tell, you have a complicated story to tell.  But good mystery novels
take a complicated story and tell it in a way that helps the reader
follow all the threads, appreciate the surprising twists, and come
away feeling satisfied.  Most programs do not read like that.

-Brent