Forum Moderators: coopster
[public.yahoo.com...]
Yahoo currently consists of:
8.1m Lines of C++
3.0m Lines of Perl
612 Developers
For those interested in programming, the slide presentation above is fascinating.
If I were Yahoo! the last thing I would need is problems.
With so many programmers, isn't it acutally better when there is only *one* way to do something?
I don't agree with that 100%. I think we need to have many different options due to the fact languages and different situations withing languages all have their strong points and weak areas. Take for example the code snippet posted by martin above...
if (1) { do_stuff(); }
do_stuff if (1);
do_stuff() unless (!1);
...do_stuff() unless (!1);
Or, compound the problem by
unless (1 && 2 && 3) { do_stuff() }
runs like a dog in perl.
If I did not know these little things then it would be easy for me to write perl code which runs slower than php.
Working with databases are simple in perl/php, but what if you have large flat files you need to work with and edit? C might be a better choice, unless of course you need to load the whole file every time...
I think a lot of times it really does not matter which you use, but how well you use it. I tend to use a combination, as most do, but I look for efficiency and how well it plugs into the rest of the project.
Do I want to use perl if I only want to put the time on the page? no. But you can...
I would like to see these types of conversations change to what language is the best for a givin situation, instead of what can be the 'all in wonder' of languages... (does not exist!)
besides, if there was only one way to do something, none of us would get paid very much.
though, if you have to choose... (PERL IS THE BEST).. na na
see the smart guys use it...
The NetGeo Perl module was used for the IP-to-location mapping tools [folding.stanford.edu]
They went to the moon the first time on fortran, wouldn't want to see them do it the next time though.
[edited by: netcommr at 11:30 am (utc) on Oct. 31, 2002]
I think they chose php due to the ease and speed of learning for the staff. Yahoo has other languages (proprietary) they run as well as those posted. For example, the Yahoo Store system runs on a language they purchased with the shopping mall. There is no more support for it. I guess when its time to change and/or integrate everything, do it simply and inexpensive.
[webmasterworld.com...]
.. and ain't I glad :)
And what an endorsement to show to those clients who wanted ASP because its M$ .. well its a lot to cheer about for mee :) :) :)
I think that if someone decides to switch, it should be because pros and cons have been weighted and they are convinced that it is for the better.
Well, at least that's how I think it should be.
Finally get some valid support by the corps. To many execs in the world only know the terms JSP or Perl. Then of course they want code built in memory holed , old languages.
Now if we could get more Python support going all would be well. :)
Perl is great for sysadmin type work don't get me wrong but for the Web , it is an old dead language.
