The Most Average Function There Is

Explore the characteristics that make programming languages desirable in this 59-minute conference talk from NDC Conferences. Delve into various perspectives on language appeal, including mathematical affiliation, intuitive design, introspection capabilities, and proportional response. Follow along as the speaker attempts to implement the most average function possible, examining how different languages approach this task idiomatically. Gain insights into second-order issues, the drawbacks of ideological languages, and the importance of simplicity in language design. Discover why code line count matters and how it relates to language efficiency. Be prepared for an irreverent and potentially provocative discussion that challenges conventional notions of what makes a programming language "good."

Intro
Good Language for Getting Work Done?
Second-Order Issues
Issue with Ideological Languages
Doing What You Want To Do
Simple Things to Desire
Example: The Average Function
A Modest Start
Integrals vs. Floating Point
Second-Order Insights
Code Lines Matter