Why Are New Programming Languages Born?
The cynical part of me wants to answer, 'because it’s easier than doing real work.' However, the people who create new programming languages see it as a way to solve problems in new and hopefully better ways.
Addressing Inadequacies and Constant Improvement
Many existing programming languages have always felt inadequate to various extents for different people, prompting them to try to improve upon them. Yet, these improvements are never deemed sufficient to halt the need for further improvement. This process will eventually come to an end, as we transition to utilizing natural language for all source code, stored in something called ATF (Artificial Thought-Language). Programming languages do not support thought effectively, but ATF does. Thus, ATF is crucial for the development of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). Once ATF is perfected, almost everything needed for AGI will be in place, making further need for human programmers unnecessary. As a result, specialist programming languages become extinct. This transition is happening soon because ATF already exists and is being used in a prototype AGI system now.
Creating New Tools and Paradigms
Why are new tools being created? Why are new vehicles being created? Why are new books being written? In the context of programming languages, they are nothing more than tools. Each programming language has its strengths and weaknesses, and each is better suited to some programming tasks than to others. Designers of new programming languages often attempt to improve upon previous languages or make certain types of programming tasks or projects easier to design, develop, and maintain. However, there are always trade-offs involved. There is no one programming language that is best for all possible programming tasks, and there never will be. Therefore, the development of new languages continues.
Professional software developers are not expected to know every programming language. However, they are fully expected to be able to learn and properly use programming languages, programming paradigms, and other related tools and concepts as needed. It is important to note that many programming languages developed in academia or industry never reach mainstream status and some don’t even become footnotes in computing history.
Conclusion
The evolution of programming languages is a testament to our relentless pursuit of more efficient and effective ways to solve complex problems. As we move toward AGI and the potential of ATF, the need for specialized programming languages may indeed diminish. However, the concept of creating tools to aid in problem-solving and innovation will remain a fundamental aspect of human ingenuity.