Succinctness is Power: A Hypothesis

This article argues that the most important factor in the design of a good programming language is succinctness, and that succinctness is directly related to power.

• Succinctness allows programmers to express complex ideas in fewer lines of code.
• This means that programmers can write more powerful programs with less effort.

The Importance of Smaller Code

The author argues that high-level languages are designed to make source code smaller, which is essential for achieving power.

• The main purpose of a high-level language is to enable programmers to write programs that are more compact and efficient than equivalent programs written in lower-level languages like machine code.
• Smaller source code allows for faster development, easier maintenance, and fewer bugs.

Measuring Succinctness

The article explores various ways to measure the succinctness of a programming language. The author proposes a metric based on the number of distinct elements in a program, where an element is any component that would be a node in a tree representation of the code.

• The number of elements can be used to compare different programming languages objectively.
• It can also be a valuable tool for language design, helping developers identify areas where improvements can be made to achieve greater succinctness.

Succinctness in Language Design

The author emphasizes that measuring succinctness can be a valuable tool in language design.

• By analyzing code written in different languages, developers can identify patterns that contribute to succinctness and use this knowledge to design more powerful languages.
• The article highlights languages like Forth, Joy, and Icon as examples of languages with a reputation for succinctness.

The Relationship Between Succinctness, Readability and Power

The author discusses the relationship between succinctness, readability, and power, arguing that they are all interconnected.

• While individual lines of code in a succinct language may appear less readable than those in a more verbose language, overall program readability can be improved by using a succinct language, as shorter programs are generally easier to understand.
• The author emphasizes that readability-per-line can be a deceptive metric, as it doesn't account for the overall effort required to understand a program.
• The article draws a comparison to mathematics, arguing that while mathematical notation can appear complex, it is essential for expressing complex ideas concisely.

Succinctness, Restrictiveness and Language Design

The author suggests that the feeling of restrictiveness in a programming language is often a result of insufficient succinctness.

• When a language forces programmers to write code that is longer than necessary, it can feel restrictive, as they are prevented from expressing ideas in the most natural and efficient way.
• This can lead to code that is less readable, more complex, and prone to errors.

The Power of Lisp

The author mentions Lisp as an example of a language known for its succinctness and power.

• Lisp's use of macros and higher-order functions enables programmers to express complex ideas in a concise and elegant way.
• The author provides examples of how factorial can be expressed in Lisp, highlighting the language's flexibility and succinctness.

Can a Language be Too Succinct?

The author acknowledges that it is possible for programs to be written too densely.

• Complex macros, while potentially saving code, can also make programs harder to read and understand.
• The author raises the question of whether a language can force programmers to write code that is excessively compact and incomprehensible.

The Importance of Language Choice

The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of choosing programming languages that allow for succinct expression and powerful development.

• Programmers should be aware of the tradeoffs involved in different language design choices and select languages that best suit their needs and preferences.
• The author suggests that the best programming language is one that feels natural and intuitive to use, allowing for the most effortless expression of complex ideas.