| From: | Robert Watkins robert.watkins@******.com |
|---|---|
| Subject: | [semi-OT] programming languages' evolution |
| Date: | Tue, 2 Feb 1999 09:09:15 +1000 |
> In any case, most Y2K-related problems aren't caused by COBOL -
> they're caused by a) the original designers not expecting their
> code to have to last for 20 years, b) just plain forgetfulness and
> c) wild hysteria. None of which (with the possible exception of c)
> are the cause of COBOL. :-)
Nope... the original decision to use 2 digit dates (which are the
fundamental cause of the Y2K problem) was made by the original designers of
the COBOL team, largely 'cause their bosses wanted to skimp on paper tape
costs. A few years later, the picture clause was added to COBOL to allow 4
digit dates, but it was extra work to implement it, and besides dozens of
other companies were using 2 digit dates. It became a tradition, and
managers liked it that way... kept data entry costs down. Which just goes to
show that managers are boneheaded.
> COBOL was designed to be a "user-friendly" language written in an
> english-like syntax so that any PHB would be able to do their own
> programming. Gee, looks like it missed its mark a bit... ;-)
Actually, it was so any PHB would be able to read and understand the
programs their staff spat out. You don't really expect a PHB to sully his
hands writing code, do you?
(Mind you, it still missed its mark...)
--
Duct tape is like the Force: There's a Light side, a Dark side, and it
binds the Universe together.
Robert Watkins -- robert.watkins@******.com
