Re: Programming style
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg47611] Re: [mg47597] Programming style
- From: Murray Eisenberg <murray at math.umass.edu>
- Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2004 04:15:08 -0400 (EDT)
- Organization: Mathematics & Statistics, Univ. of Mass./Amherst
- References: <200404170631.CAA16298@smc.vnet.net>
- Reply-to: murray at math.umass.edu
- Sender: owner-wri-mathgroup at wolfram.com
While you _can_ use various paradigms when programming in Mathematica,
the functional approach has several advantages, including:
(1) efficiency;
(2) clarity and readability -- once you know how to read functional
constructs -- for two reasons:
(a) programs are shorter, hence easier to take in at a glance;
(b) you can think, and program, at a higher level, leaving
implementation details to the Mathematica interpreter.
Don't neglect the advantages, too, of using "array-oriented" programming
and pattern-matching.
lorenzo.keegan at handbag.com wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I am an experienced computer programmer having used ADA, C, Visual Basic
> etc. for years.
>
> Recently I bought the book "Mathematica - A Practical Approach", where different
> styles of programming are discussed, namely
> Functional programming versus Procedural programming.
>
> The book seems to suggest that most Scientist and "professional" Mathematica
> users prefer the Functional programming approach.
>
> For years I have been working with the "Procedural" method.
>
> What are your feelings ? Is it worth the effort to learn the Functional
> method ? Does it matter ?
>
> Thanks for your time
>
> Best Wishes
> Laurence Keegan
>
>
--
Murray Eisenberg murray at math.umass.edu
Mathematics & Statistics Dept.
Lederle Graduate Research Tower phone 413 549-1020 (H)
University of Massachusetts 413 545-2859 (W)
710 North Pleasant Street fax 413 545-1801
Amherst, MA 01003-9305
- References:
- Programming style
- From: lorenzo.keegan@handbag.com
- Programming style