candygrammar

2 definitions found

candygrammar - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  candygrammar
  
     <language> A programming-language grammar that is mostly
     syntactic sugar; a play on "candygram".  COBOL, Apple Computer
     's Hypertalk language, and many 4GLs share this
     property.  The intent is to be as English-like as possible and
     thus easier for unskilled people to program.  However,
     syntax isn't what makes programming hard; it's the mental
     effort and organisation required to specify an algorithm
     precisely.  Thus "candygrammar" languages are just as
     difficult to program in, and far more painful for the
     experienced hacker.
  
     GLS notes: The overtones from the 1977 Chevy Chase "Jaws"
     parody on Saturday Night Live should not be overlooked.
     Someone lurking outside an apartment door tries 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.
  
     [Jargon File]
  
     (2004-09-23)
  

candygrammar - Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003) :

  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]