candygrammar
n. A programming-language grammar that is mostly
syntactic sugar; the term is also a play on `candygram'.
COBOL, Apple's Hypertalk language, and a lot of the so-called
`4GL' database languages share this property. The usual intent
of such designs is that they be as English-like as possible, on the
theory that they will then be easier for unskilled people to
program. This intention comes to grief on the reality that syntax
isn't what makes programming hard; it's the mental effort and
organization required to specify an algorithm precisely that
costs. Thus the invariable result is that `candygrammar'
languages are just as difficult to program in as terser ones, and
far more painful for the experienced hacker.
[The overtones from the old Chevy Chase skit on Saturday Night Live
should not be overlooked. This was a "Jaws" parody.
Someone lurking outside an apartment door tries all kinds of bogus
ways to get the occupant to open up, while ominous music plays in
the background. The last attempt is a half-hearted "Candygram!"
When the door is opened, a shark bursts in and chomps the poor
occupant. There is a moral here for those attracted to
candygrammars. Note that, in many circles, pretty much the same
ones who remember Monty Python sketches, all it takes is the word
"Candygram!", suitably timed, to get people rolling on the
floor. --- GLS]
