But the question remains, what does Carbon bring to the table?
C++ was one of the pioneers in explicit type variables (i.e., templates, which I'm pretty sure is what people mean when they say "generics"). I can't imagine Carbon will support higher-kinded polymorphism or type families or dependent types, so what makes a template system "modern," and what advantage does that give you over C++ templates?
C++ was also a pioneer in explicit modularity, not just with classes but with namespaces. What makes a module system "modern," and what advantages does that give you over C++ namespaces?
Simple syntax is the one I was alluding to. C++ has a (deserved) reputation for including everything but the kitchen sink in its specification. Is that what this is really about? Does it make sense to create a new programming language because another language is too bloated? Because you can just... not use features you don't like.
But the question remains, what does Carbon bring to the table?
C++ was one of the pioneers in explicit type variables (i.e., templates, which I'm pretty sure is what people mean when they say "generics"). I can't imagine Carbon will support higher-kinded polymorphism or type families or dependent types, so what makes a template system "modern," and what advantage does that give you over C++ templates?
C++ was also a pioneer in explicit modularity, not just with classes but with namespaces. What makes a module system "modern," and what advantages does that give you over C++ namespaces?
Simple syntax is the one I was alluding to. C++ has a (deserved) reputation for including everything but the kitchen sink in its specification. Is that what this is really about? Does it make sense to create a new programming language because another language is too bloated? Because you can just... not use features you don't like.
I guess we'll see in the next few years.
Some skepticism is probably healthy:)