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0 pointspikachu_is_cool10y ago0 comments

To me, it looks like the only improvement of Squirrel upon Lua is automatic reference counting. Everything else seems like a step backwards.

* C++ < ANSI C

* two null types < one nil type

* separate types for arrays and dicts < tables

* C syntax < plain english

* Builtin classes < make-your-own classes

That's just my opinion though :)

0 comments

7 comments · 3 top-level

yoz-y10y ago· 2 in thread

I am curious, why do you consider make-your-own-classes a superior approach?

pikachu_is_coolOP10y ago

Having OOP built into the C/C++ codebase is just a chunk of complexity that is needlessly built into the language itself; it can only be maintained by a select group of people who understand it.

Instead, you could just use an OOP library, or implement the parts of OOP you want in like 20 lines of Lua.

The great thing about this is you can fine-tune it to your needs. Want transparent encapsulation, or multiple inheritance? It just takes an extra 10-20 lines of code! Now you don't have to pester the Squirrel developers to put it in. :p

yoz-y10y ago

My counter argument would be that if objects are implemented at the language level it makes it easier for developers for the following reasons:

- there is exactly one way to do it

  - objects can be transported between codebases without wrappers

  - beginners know where to look and everybody can understand everybody's codebase

- the compiler can optimise them better

- generally the syntax is nicer, looking at some object implementations in lua I must say that they are hideous, very similar to object implementations in javascript before ES6

1 more reply

jwdunne10y ago· 1 in thread

How is separate types for arrays and dictionaries worse? They are two different data structures with different uses so should be separate.

pikachu_is_coolOP10y ago

One of the strengths of Lua is how usable it is for non-programmers. Having separate concepts for (essentially) a hashmap for integers and a hashmap for everything else makes it more complicated.

emsy10y ago· 1 in thread

That C++ is inherently worse than C is a preposterous preconception. The only point I'd remotely agree with is the two null types, though it makes sense if you know that they express two different concepts.

pikachu_is_coolOP10y ago

I was referring to portability. Being written in ANSI C is one of Lua's biggest strengths in that regard.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

0 comments

7 comments · 3 top-level

yoz-y10y ago· 2 in thread

I am curious, why do you consider make-your-own-classes a superior approach?

pikachu_is_coolOP10y ago

Having OOP built into the C/C++ codebase is just a chunk of complexity that is needlessly built into the language itself; it can only be maintained by a select group of people who understand it.

Instead, you could just use an OOP library, or implement the parts of OOP you want in like 20 lines of Lua.

yoz-y10y ago

My counter argument would be that if objects are implemented at the language level it makes it easier for developers for the following reasons:

- there is exactly one way to do it

  - objects can be transported between codebases without wrappers

  - beginners know where to look and everybody can understand everybody's codebase

- the compiler can optimise them better

- generally the syntax is nicer, looking at some object implementations in lua I must say that they are hideous, very similar to object implementations in javascript before ES6

1 more reply

jwdunne10y ago· 1 in thread

How is separate types for arrays and dictionaries worse? They are two different data structures with different uses so should be separate.

pikachu_is_coolOP10y ago

One of the strengths of Lua is how usable it is for non-programmers. Having separate concepts for (essentially) a hashmap for integers and a hashmap for everything else makes it more complicated.

emsy10y ago· 1 in thread

pikachu_is_coolOP10y ago

I was referring to portability. Being written in ANSI C is one of Lua's biggest strengths in that regard.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse