Re: Low-level vs. High-level programming (was My First Computer)

[wildstar <wildstar128@hotmail.com>]

"Kelly Hall" <hall@priest.com> wrote in
news:ivPIa.20$DA1.6@newssvr19.news.prodigy.com: 


> I agree with you, and you'll find more about it up this thread quite a
> ways. 
> 
> To me, a "computer programming language" must be sufficient for
> describing computation.  And a "computation" being something that is
> equivalent to what you can do with a Turing machine.  By these
> definitions, HTML is clearly not a "computer programming language". 
> However, no one in the world cites me as a reference. let alone one as
> reknowned as Messers Merriam and Webster, so it's not surprising other
> people here disagree with my opinions regarding HTML.  Fine.  So be
> it.  I'd be concerned if everyone *did* agree with me - it would
> offend my delicate curmudgeonly sensibilities, carefully honed during
> a lifetime. 
> 
> As a degenerative example, I imagine that HTML would be just as
> effective as a markup language assuming that the layout engine was an
> ink-stained, visor-wearing printer with a tray of type and a simple
> non-offset press, and the transmission mechanism was a
> transcontinental teletype, assuming you could add double quotes and
> angle-brackets to morse code.  However, in this case it's obvious that
> computers aren't required. 
> 
> Kelly

Yep, programming language have logic controls. HTML really has no logic. 
Maybe if you call clicking a switch. HTML is at most event driven link to 
other files. Like an event driven datalink. All the IF THEN is self 
contained in a browser. There is no IF THEN logic in HTML so guess what 
you can't find out who wins based on scores because there is no variables 
to be compared with an IF THEN logic operator and a comparative.

A fundamental piece to programming since the 1960s. Early programming 
languages didn't have exact if thens but there was gate switch handling.