I remember the first time I built gcc in college on an decstation (probably around 1990) I was thrilled to have a free compiler with source code. It almost seemed like magic. Several years later when the GNAT project started and promised to bring Ada programming to GCC I was even happier but I never really expected it would turn into the high quality Ada compiler that we have today. While HURD never really worked out, the GCC project alone (never mind the vast quantity of other software covered by the GPL) has been transformational and I think many of the younger generation take the existence of this stuff for granted.

Now, get off my lawn.

Wow. Now that is some drifting of the (english) language. While it is true that over the years, the weak typing of those languages has been slightly strengthened and it is true that some languages such as Javascript are even more weakly typed, it is really a stretch to consider C,C++ and java as 'strongly typed'. Of the bunch I suppose calling Java strong typed is probably somewhat fair but really, you've been swimming in a weakly typed pool your whole life and are just wading down a little bit more into the deep end and this point.

Ada is strongly typed. C is not.

But in any case the advise for living with Java script is the same advise I give people that are used to C++ and trying to get used to the 'strong' typing of Ada. You really need to work on thinking in your new language and not cling to first thinking of the solution in your old language in your head and then translating. There is not really any magic to doing this other than writing a lot of code AND trying to not let emotion get in the way.. Once you've picked up the tool, use it.

In addition, to the links from the parent post, there is a pretty good documentary about the FSP. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEPLUQNwU6w Not really a cross section of all/most Free State Project participants but worth a watch. I am not an FSP participant, but I am glad they are here.....Even Seth ;)

No it isn't the latest in deny everything trend.

I don't want to carry a wallet. There is no room for it in my flying car. Now, let be go out to the warehouse out back and see if I can replace some tubes in my massive computer.

I've never met a programmer that did not end up being better at their craft after spending time writing Ada. Some did not like it and shun it but even they seem to be better programmers in their language of choice after using it. (Though of course it is not magic and if you are not cut out to be a software developer, it is not going to fix that).

He is damn lucky he only got suspended. He blasphemed 'The Penguin'. The punishment should be far more severe.

There is no OS but Linux.

"Did you really think that we want those laws to be observed?" said Dr. Ferris. "We want them broken. You'd better get it straight that it's not a bunch of boy scouts you're up against - then you'll know that this is not the age for beautiful gestures. We're after power and we mean it. You fellows were pikers, but we know the real trick, and you'd better get wise to it. There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced nor objectively interpreted - and you create a nation of law-breakers - and then you cash in on guilt. Now, that's the system, Mr. Rearden, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with." - Atlas Shrugged