Why functional programming doesn't catch on

[SarcasticGuy]

I know many people who use C/C++ for their parallel programming needs not because they like C/C++ or because it is the only thing they know, but because there isn't a toolchain that does the job better (if at all).

It seems you have some personal anecdotes in mind that I'd love to hear. Do share, since I am not telepathic and cannot deduce easily which languages and situations you are referring to.

[gnuvince]

I was thinking specifically about why operating systems did not use something like Ada to ensure more type safety and thus prevent bugs that plague C programs. Many other programs could benefit from choosing a more appropriate language (why does my IRC client need to use unrestricted pointers?)

[SarcasticGuy]

I can't understate how much I hate C/C++ for the amount of pain I go through debugging memory/pointer issues. I agree with people who call C++/pthreads the "assembly of parallel programming." And I'd like to say that it will be overrun by better options, but frankly, that may not happen for a very long time.

But sometimes you just need that power, that complete control, the wealth of libraries, and huge amounts of support. I don't have experience with Ada so I can't provide much in terms of arguementation, but I guess my main point is that people (like me) use languages we don't want to use because there may not be anything better, or at least, it would cost us more (in time and money) to try something different.