Candygrammar

2 definitions found

From Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001) [jargon]:

  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 similar gag in
     "Blazing Saddles" --ESR] 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]
  
  

From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:

  candygrammar
       
          A programming-language grammar that is mostly {syntactic
          sugar}; the term is also a play on "candygram".  {COBOL},
          {Apple Computer}'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 organisation 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}]
       
          [{Jargon File}]
       
          (2001-06-22)