A Comparison of Programming Language Philosophy

Pascal

    Strict Parent (a “bondage and discipline” language ;-))

    Restricts programmer for his/her own good

    A white, automatic transmission automobile with lots of safety features (e.g.,  air bags, controls that limit speed to 55 miles per hour and prohibit leaving the lights on or locking the keys in the car)

C

    A permissive, easy going parent (a ‘lassize-faire’ language ;-))

    Assumes that the programmer knows what he/she is doing and will assume responsibility for his/her actions.  (Some describe it as a “gun with which you can shoot yourself in the foot.”)

    A bright red ’65 Corvette  with a big block engine, manual transmission, optional seat belt, and with fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror.

C++

    A less permissive, yet open minded parent (e.g.,  ‘Thomas Huxtable’ ;-))

    Assumes that the programmer generally knows what he/she is doing, but provides more checking by default.  (“With C++ it’s harder to shoot yourself in the foot, but when you do, you’ll blow off both of your legs” – Bjarne Stroustrup)

    A bright red 2000 Corvette  with a 6 speed manual transmission,  air bag, and heads up display, many on board computers