Re: st: RE: Problem areas

[James Muller <james.muller@internode.on.net>]

Just on point 6:

Jhilbe@aol.com wrote:

> 6. A  relatively easy-to-learn programming language which can be used to  
> program nearly any statistical procedure conceivable. Stata's  ML and matrix
> (Mata) capabilities are superior. I know of no  other higher level 
> statistical 
> progamming language easier to  use, or with the comprehensiveness of scope.  
>  
Got to disagree with your point about Mata. While I view Mata highly, 
its ease of use seems a consequence of the good manual and certain 
restrictions/limitations rather than innate easiness.

Very good manual indeed. No need to talk about that.

Certain restrictions. Mata looks like a restricted adaptation of C and 
MATLAB. Some of its easiness comes from restrictions on the 
functionality of each language - that is, the language itself is not as 
such easier but the data structures the language can represent at a 
standard level of ability is restricted. Of course at a higher level 
there is very little limitation.

I guess what I'm saying is that whether you're programming (small 
programs, not major projects) in C or Mata the difficulty of programming 
is in holding abstract structures in your head while working. If there's 
no chance the structure is complicated then you don't have to spend the 
effort worrying so much about possibility of causing unpleasant errors. 
This list is going to have some fun as beginners start messing with 
pointers.

James

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