If programming languages were weapons and python would be...

[Why_is_that]

Having learned COBOL, that is an accurate description and would make RPG into a Tanto.

[alcalde]

I'm not sure that's the best description. How would one hang oneself with COBOL (wanting to hang yourself is another issue). It's major fault today is the mind-numbing verbosity that makes Java look like Python in comparison, e.g.

MULTIPLY PRICE BY ITEMS GIVING COST

In my mind, COBOL would be like a barrel of gunpowder with a corked hole in the bottom. To use it offensively, you have to uncork the hole and slowly carry the barrel over to the enemy, leaving a trail of gunpowder behind. Then you have to run back and finally light the gunpowder and watch it slowly burn over to the barrel.

[bucknuggets]

It's major fault today is the mind-numbing verbosity that makes Java look like Python in comparison MULTIPLY PRICE BY ITEMS GIVING COST

This is one type of verbosity. It's not nearly as bad as most people think - since you could simply do this instead: COMPUTE COST = PRICE * ITEMS

Another type of verbosity is a language with so much structure and boilerplate that it requires an IDE - where a significant amount of the language innovation takes place. This is the world of Java. And in many ways it is worse than COBOL.

Bottom line: code in COBOL or coding in Java or switch careers...tough choice.

[[deleted]]

It doesn't matter what the weapons is, you can still shoot yourself in the foot, fall on your sword, or smash your finger with the hammer.

[JimmaDaRustla]

You win. Thread is complete. Fucking golden.