The future of specialized languages

Abstract

The prediction of the future, like the review of the past, has as its sole usefulness, the organization and purposeful direction of the present. Thus, in situations where there is rapid change, as there certainly is in the field of computing, prediction---though more difficult---is all the more necessary. Suppose that you, as a computer specialist, are considering whether to design and implement a language for your own special application area or to consolidate your programming within the framework of a single, general language. You will certainly want your decision to be responsive to, though perhaps not dictated by, your perception of the directions computers and computing will be taking.

Additional details