candygrammar n. a programming-language grammar that is mostly
   syntactic sugar; the term is also a play on `candygram'. cobol,
   apple's hypertalk language, and a lot of the so-called `4gl' database
   languages share this property. the usual intent of such designs is that
   they be as english-like as possible, on the theory that they will then
   be easier for unskilled people to program. this intention comes to grief
   on the reality that syntax isn't what makes programming hard; it's the
   mental effort and organization required to specify an algorithm
   precisely that costs. thus the invariable result is that `candygrammar'
   languages are just as difficult to program in as terser ones, and far
   more painful for the experienced hacker.

   the overtones from the old chevy chase skit on saturday night live
   should not be overlooked. this was a "jaws" parody. someone lurking
   outside an apartment door tries all kinds of bogus ways to get the
   occupant to open up, while ominous music plays in the background. the
   last attempt is a half-hearted "candygram" when the door is opened, a
   shark bursts in and chomps the poor occupant. there is a similar gag in
   "blazing saddles" --esr there is a moral here for those attracted to
   candygrammars. note that, in many circles, pretty much the same ones who
   remember monty python sketches, all it takes is the word "candygram",
   suitably timed, to get people rolling on the floor. -- gls


see also:
syntactic sugar cobol 

candygrammar
     
        a programming-language grammar that is mostly syntactic
        sugar; the term is also a play on "candygram".  cobol,
        apple computer's hypertalk language, and a lot of the
        so-called "4gl" database languages share this property.  the
        usual intent of such designs is that they be as english-like
        as possible, on the theory that they will then be easier for
        unskilled people to program.  this intention comes to grief on
        the reality that syntax isn't what makes programming hard;
        it's the mental effort and organisation required to specify an
        algorithm precisely that costs.  thus the invariable result is
        that "candygrammar" languages are just as difficult to program
        in as terser ones, and far more painful for the experienced
        hacker.
     
        the overtones from the old chevy chase skit on saturday night
        live should not be overlooked.  this was a "jaws" parody.
        someone lurking outside an apartment door tries all kinds of
        bogus ways to get the occupant to open up, while ominous music
        plays in the background.  the last attempt is a half-hearted
        "candygram"  when the door is opened, a shark bursts in and
        chomps the poor occupant.  there is a moral here for those
        attracted to candygrammars.  note that, in many circles,
        pretty much the same ones who remember monty python sketches,
        all it takes is the word "candygram", suitably timed, to get
        people rolling on the floor. - gls
     
        jargon file
     
        2001-06-22
     
     
see also:
syntactic sugar cobol apple computer hypertalk 4gl gls 
jargon file