Language Design: Are languages like Python and CoffeeScript really more comprehensible?
- by kittensatplay
The "Verbally Readable !== Quicker Comprehension" argument on http://ryanflorence.com/2011/case-against-coffeescript/ is really potent and interesting. I and I'm sure others would be very interested in evidence arguing against this. There's clear evidence for this and I believe it. People naturally think in images, not words, so we should be designing languages that aren't similar to human language like English, French, whatever.
Being "readable" is quicker comprehension. Most articles on Wikipedia are not readable as they are long, boring, dry, sluggish and very very wordy. Because Wikipedia documents a ton of info, it is not especially helpful when compared to sites with more practical, useful and relevant info. Languages like Python and CoffeScript are "verbally readable" in that they are closer to English syntax. Having programmed firstly and mainly in Python, I'm not so sure this is really a good thing.
The second interesting argument is that CoffeeScript is an intermediator, a step between two ends, which may increase the chance of bugs.
While CoffeeScript has other practical benefits, this question specifically requests evidence showing support for the counter-case of language "readability"
