Why did some old programming languages like PL/I and “real” BASIC completely die out, while some like Fortran and COBOL never get replaced?
The rise of Unix brought C and C++ to the fore, and these replaced many languages. Fortran and COBOL have been on the decline for a long time. They stay alive because of large code bases that would be expensive to port to a new language.
The Short Answer
The rise of Unix brought C and C++ to the fore, and these replaced many languages. Fortran and COBOL have been on the decline for a long time. They stay alive because of large code bases that would be expensive to port to a new language.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Rise, unix, brought
This explanation focuses on rise, unix, brought and spans 46 words across 3 sentences. At 39% below the average Technology explanation (75 words), the answer takes a direct, no-frills approach — sometimes the simplest explanation is the most effective.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “The rise of Unix brought C and C++ to the fore, and these replaced many languages.” It then elaborates by explaining the root cause, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 3 connected points.
How This Compares in Technology
Ranked #347 of 500 Technology questions by answer depth (top 70%). This is in the concise tier — a focused explanation that prioritizes clarity over exhaustiveness. Many readers prefer this level of directness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why some old programming languages like pl/i and "real" basic completely die out, while some like fortran and cobol never get replaced?
The rise of Unix brought C and C++ to the fore, and these replaced many languages. Fortran and COBOL have been on the decline for a long time. They stay alive because of large code bases that would be expensive to port to a new language.
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Technology questions?
This is a focused answer at 46 words, ranked #347 of 500 Technology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are rise, unix, brought.
What approach does this answer take to explain some old programming languages like pl/i and "real" basic co?
The explanation uses root cause analysis across 46 words. It is categorized under Technology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.