A bunch of ideas from Icon and APL grafted onto Java. Here's the link to the language reference. There doesn't seem to be an implementation available.
Posted to OOP by Bryn Keller on 7/16/03; 6:10:03 PM
Partly for the compiler writer, partly for the user.
It makes it easier to allow multi-line code layout while not creating new ambiguities.
convince me that the language is deficient
Let's not underestimate your objectivity. Maybe it's apparent to you that Java dialects exist to fix fundamental deficiencies, while Python extensions extend an adequate core?
As someone with different biases ( I have reservations about Python, but use Java profesionally ), I still think you are touching on an important aspect of the intent of both languages.
Python seems to have been designed with the very purpose of allowing people to play with programming concepts. Extending it fits very well with its mission.
Java, on the other hand, is very much about having an "improved C++" standard for a number of industry applications, notably networked applications and enterprise applications.
Papers about extensions to Java whisper quietly "I'm hoping to get a job in industry after my degree." ;-)
Quietly?
haha, I'll have to tell my officemate about that. All his papers are about Java extensions and yet AFAIK he has spent his whole life in academia (and he already got his degree).
Despite the fact that I can't pass up a joke ;-), I can see that some academics might get some sense of satisfaction from knowing there work is relevant to current practice.
I'd be curious what he says about his choice of Java as his "medium".