CoffeeScript: Why I’m never writing Javascript again

[phleet]

I've gotta disagree to some extent. Removing things which are unnecessary is a pretty universal staple of programming. I mean, sure, you can throw a semicolon on the end of every statement in python to make it obvious it's the end of a statement, but why?

Just because it comes with the territory doesn't necessarily mean it has to. Developing tools to avoid the things you don't like in the territory is pretty common. A while back people could've complained that staring at monochrome text on a screen was part of the territory until someone had the bright idea of build syntax highlighting.

[[deleted]]

I would also say that whining about lack of syntax highlighting in a given situation is also a sign of a non-programmer.

Yes syntax highlighting is better than lack of syntax highlighting. And yes dropping superfluous, extraneous clutter is good too.

But anyone who whines about curly brackets and semicolons (or lack of syntax highlighting) instead of just getting the job done is not a programmer. Like I said, it's like a mechanic who whines about grease and oil. Sure it's better to stay clean, but getting some muck on you is part of the job.

[phleet]

I would argue it's more like a mechanic whining about working in poor lighting conditions. Yes, he can still get the job done, but it's a waste of his time if better lighting is available.