[Haskell-cafe] stream interface vs string interface: references

[damodar kulkarni]

In a reply to the question on the thread titled "Can I use String without
"" in ghci?", Richard A. O'Keefe has noted that,

It's also the what-Smalltalk-got-right-and-Java-got-wrong lesson: the right
> way to convert objects to text is via a *stream* interface, not a *string*
> interface.
>

I didn't want to clutter that thread so I am asking a question here.
Where do I find foundational and/or other good references on the topic of
"stream interface vs string interface to convert objects to text"? I tried
google but failed.

I am looking for pointers that explain the rational behind the above claim
made by O'Keefe.

and what is the take of Haskell on this topic?

Thanks and regards,
-Damodar Kulkarni
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