What experts want from programming languages

Abstract

This paper contrasts the aspirations of general-purpose programming language designers with some evidence about expert problem-solving and programming behaviour. The contrast is summarized in a rough wish-list of what experts want from general-purpose programming languages. The programmers' wish-list differs from the aspirations of language designers less in detail than in emphasis: whereas the designers emphasize well-foundedness and correctness, the expert programmers emphasize utility, control, and efficiency. It is argued that a programming language is a tool, not a panacea; tools make easy the tasks for which they are designed, but the outcome depends on the intention and expertise of the wielder.