Re: Parametric polymorphism - Oberon/F

Mike Leddy (mike@ultranet.com.br)
Wed, 04 Dec 1996 20:56:16 -0300

First, thanks for the very informative response Clemens, which
resolved all of my compiler concerns. (I'm going to look at
the innards of the V4 compiler in the near future)

> The restriction of no function calls in designators may need
> some getting used to, as it is not present in the C line of
> languages

I will get used to this, but would like to see this relaxed in
the not too far distant future. It certainly won't disuade me
from switching to Oberon/F :-)

A direct response from Oberon Microsystems stating a definite
interest is very reassuring - sorry Clemens, I didn't know
you are one of the founders of the company....

One thing I should have made clearer in my first posting
is that:

Parametric Polymorphism for Oberon
http://www.fit.qut.edu.au/~szypersk/jmlc.ps.gz

has an approach which is superior in my mind to that of
C++. Is completely (type) safe, doesn't generate unecessary
code, is dynamically linkable - to name but a few advantages.

>From my point of view there is no question as to the
saleability of the proposed language features - I'd buy it.

I guess the only question that remains is when will this become
a reality for developers.

Rather than sit back and wait, I certainly would be disposed to
spend some time filling out gaps in a "small but productive
and hopefully elegant library" - Having made the switch from
Durham City in the NE. of England to the tropics of Brasil, I
have more time to devote to noble causes and academic pursuits.

Mike - Fortaleza, Brasil.