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0 pointspjmlp5y ago0 comments

About != the same

So a systems programming language, 13 years younger than COBOL, or 10 years, given that the work in C started in 1969.

http://cm.bell-labs.co/who/dmr/chist.html

> C came into being in the years 1969-1973, in parallel with the early development of the Unix operating system; the most creative period occurred during 1972. Another spate of changes peaked between 1977 and 1979

But lets make you a favour and consider 1972, it makes C a 48 years old systems programming language, only surpassed by NEWP (1961) as oldest systems programming language still in use in 2021.

Maybe it is about time to start talking about C the same way people talk about COBOL.

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2 comments · 1 top-level

yesenadam5y ago· 1 in thread

Your comment doesn't feel like it's doing me any favours. It makes me feel like not commenting on HN any more.

My last interaction, which felt similar, and put me off commenting for a while, was with someone who claimed that "most concert pianists and serious competitors have absolutely gigantic hands" then moved the goalposts around so they could be Right.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25174394

I guess I should just let vague claims lie. But, well, when something sounds wrong, it sounds wrong.

pjmlpOP5y ago

I consider 10 years difference to fit into "about the same age".

And could fit a dictionary definition on the comment to prove my point, but then we would really be moving goal posts by then.

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