Has anyone read "How to create your own freaking programming language" ? I'm curious if from a 77 pages book someone could learn how to implement a programming language.
At first, the webpage of the book looked like a scam to me, but I see this book was used to implement the first version of CoffeeScript. Also, the book seems to be recommended by Matz.
My personal opinion is that this is a "Learn compilers in 21 days" type borderline scammy book, in that it promises a result that sounds great, but is undeliverable. YMMV, and I am fairly demanding about technical/programming books, online courses etc.
Is there a market for this kind of pitch? Certainly. Is there value in the book? Opinions differ. Hear all sides, make your choice. As always, Caveat Emptor.
Note: "scammy" is my personal opinion, and my advice, which is worth precisely what you paid for it, is "If you want to learn how compilers work, go buy a good book on the topic". "Essentials of Programming Languages", for example, would teach you a much more, while still being very beginner friendly.
Other people have different opinions and think this book has merit. More power to them.
A much better book seems to be Language Implementation Patterns by Terence Parr.
The sales tactics on that page are also used by people trying to scam you into buying their product. It's almost like "it's too good to be true" -- but no, it's true and the book is quality. Buy it, you won't regret it.
Marc-André Cournoyer, the author of the book, also writes about his sales tactics if you're interested -- you should go buy that book too.
Who are these alleged people, where have you met them, how do you know they're scammers, and more importantly, have you ever met one doing this alleged scamming with programming books?
"Offering a full refund is something scammers do. Then they give you your money back. Run away!"
If you are so afraid of being scammed that you think a refund offer makes something suspicious, it's probably a good time to evaluate your buying habits…
The page just makes it sound too good to be true and that makes some people skeptical.
Logic. I like to see it on HN. It is missing from this conversation.
That's the hilarious part about this. I get similar comments from time to time, even with my free programming newsletters ("oh, you're tracking links, that's really scummy!" etc) and I think.. if I really wanted to scam people and make tons of money, I'd pick a much more gullible and grossly larger market than programmers! ;-P
The book is short but I didn't find it lacking. If I have a need to create my own language, I'll have no fear about the task. It was also a fun diversion during a slow week :-)
First impression: The book was last updated last year but the movie provided with the book is from 2009.
I honestly can't imagine how you figure it "looks like a scam." It looks no more like a scam than Basecamp.
Most books on compiler are priced at more than $100 and are long and boring. My system, which contains a book (fun and to the point), exercises & solutions, three languages you can use however you want and a screencast, is only $39.99. And I even give it to you for free if you're not happy.
1. The price comparison? It's called anchoring. And you're supposed to do it. Moreover, it works, both for the customer and the seller.
2. You're really saying that offering to refund your money if you don't like it actually makes it suspicious?? The logical contortions here make my brain hurt…