On 7/22/07, Robert Dodier <robert.dodier at gmail.com> wrote:
> On 7/21/07, Stavros Macrakis <macrakis at alum.mit.edu> wrote:
>
> > > Two or more names for the same thing is a disaster.
> >
> > Perhaps you could explain your reasoning so that we can discuss this,
> > instead of simply repeating your opinion.
>
> I suppose "disaster" is too strong a word. "Mess" is more accurate.
>
> (1) Synonyms leads to confusion.
Assertion. Evidence, please? In real life, we seem to manage with
the coexistence of "GM" and "General Motors".
> (2) Synonyms enlarge the name space (currently close to
> 2000 symbols) without enlarging Maxima's functionality.
Are you worried about the overhead of a few hundred more symbols?
That seems negligeable.
> (3) Even people who don't want to use such a system still
> have to tolerate it, because other people can use it.
I suppose you're referring to reading and communicating source code.
Yes, I agree this could be an issue.
> (4) Need to discuss and agree on a system of synonyms.
> Such a discussion will certainly be long and verbose.
Never stopped us from any other design discussion.... :-)
> (5) Need to modify most or all of the documentation.
Yes, of course. The question is whether it is worth it.
-s