What vile question prompted this diatribe? Is VB(of all the languages, i ask you) a 5th generation language or 4th generation language?. On the face of it a reasonable question? Why, though? Why do you want to know? What possible understanding will you gain from the answer? Will the statement X is a Y generation language really tell you anything about the language itself? Will it tell you anything about what it evolved from? Did 5th generation languages descend from 4th generation languages? How did they reproduce, i wonder?
We sometimes give labels(the generations) to categorise our knowledge. These categories are usually artificial, a concoctation of lesser minds than the ones of those who invented the pearls being categorised. And sometimes, categories formulated eons ago somehow survive into the future in outdated academic texts and minds corrupting the very fabric of knowledge. The categories are unimportant; what matters is the content of the categories.
As a student, one should choose the categories under which you clasify items carefully. Choose those categories which are logical, concrete and useful. And ask real questions.
The real questions one should be asking are, How do languages differ? what were the reasons for the creation of a language? what problems did they solve? Did this language evolve from some other language? What are the new features? why are they there? Are the new features useful? Are those features still useful today? Are the older languages that we talk of still in use 'under the hood'? Can we map features of one language to features of another langauge? the list goes on.... Just be curious! That's the most valid reason for asking a question.
Now go follow the links.
And if anyone even suggests that this will be examined, i swear i will spontaneously combust!
urped by gumz @ 12:05 AM
