[BAILOPAN]

I'm conducting a survey on how programmers in our community like writing code. Specifically, which typing discipline do you prefer, and why?

The categories:

• Static Typing. The types of variables are fixed at declaration. Examples: SourcePawn, Java, C#, C++.
• Dynamic Typing. The types of variables can vary after declaration. Examples: PHP, Perl, Python, Lua, Ruby, JavaScript.

This is strictly about typing disciplines. Not about specific features of languages (like scoping or coercion). Please share any thoughts you have!

Possible questions to answer:

• Does a typing discipline affect the way you personally write code?
• Do you find one easier over another? Higher quality than another?
• Do you think dynamic typing would make SourcePawn drastically more accessible as a scripting language for games?
• Do you think typing affects the size of a project?

If you're not comfortable posting a reply, feel free to PM or e-mail me ([email protected])

[asherkin]

• Does a typing discipline affect the way you personally write code?

  Not really, I've used languages with both types, I can switch between them very easily.

• Do you find one easier over another? Higher quality than another?

  Personally I prefer static typing, although it can take a bit longer to get used to, the benefit it provides when dealing with logical errors is invaluable.

• Do you think dynamic typing would make SourcePawn drastically more accessible as a scripting language for games?

  Yes, new coders would probably find it easier to learn if they have never touched a statically typed language before, although it's not that major in SourcePawn, <3 Cells, so maybe not 'drastically', but might get more people to start.

• Do you think typing affects the size of a project?

  Takes a little bit of extra time if you are new to static typing, but the improvement you will get from planning variables properly is worth it in either type of language .

Note: These are my general thoughts after dealing with a few languages of each type, not specifically SourcePawn / Writing SourceMod plugins.

[Dragonshadow]

I prefer static typing, otherwise I have a tendancy to lose what I'm doing.

[Matthias Vance]

Originally Posted by asherkin <snip>

This is exactly what I was thinking.

[psychonic]

While a "me too" post isn't as strong as a "real" reply, I agree nearly in full with asherkin's post above on all counts.

[toazron1]

Originally Posted by psychonic While a "me too" post isn't as strong as a "real" reply, I agree nearly in full with asherkin's post above on all counts.

Seconded.

I would like to add that although frustrating at times, static typing (at least with me) helps ensure I'm not pushing a float into a function which requires an int or any other variation

[Pawn 3-pg]

I prefer static typing. It's just too easy to make a mistake with a dynamic language.

[DaFox]

I'm right with asherkin, aside from dynamic typing bringing in new coders. I don't think people are going "oh I wont code sourcemod plugins because its not dynamically typed"

[bman87]

• Does a typing discipline affect the way you personally write code?

  I wouldn't think so, I would still try to statically type everything ;)

• Do you find one easier over another? Higher quality than another?

  I like static typing, keeps things cleaner and less chance of a run time error

• Do you think dynamic typing would make SourcePawn drastically more accessible as a scripting language for games?

  Maybe, but I learned using static types

• Do you think typing affects the size of a project?

  Maybe very slightly, not enough to really make a difference

Also, the languages I know are: C# and Java with a slight amount of PHP

[Greyscale]

I know some C++ and some Python.

• Does a typing discipline affect the way you personally write code?
  Not really. I transitioned from Python to SourcePawn very easily.
  
• Do you find one easier over another? Higher quality than another?
  I may not possess the experience to have a valid opinion, but static typing seems to be higher quality. Compiler helps you out a lot more.
  
• Do you think dynamic typing would make SourcePawn drastically more accessible as a scripting language for games?
  No. If it was there wouldn't be so many games coded in C++.
  
  EDIT: If this question is referring more to the inexperienced coders trying to make a script for a game, then dynamic typing should be easier to learn for most new coders.
  
• Do you think typing affects the size of a project?
  Negligibly. (static > dynamic)