Why are there so many accomplished Scandinavian programmers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation of a significant number of accomplished programmers from Scandinavian countries, particularly in the context of programming language development. Participants explore potential historical, cultural, and environmental factors that may contribute to this phenomenon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that many inventors of major programming languages are from Denmark, Sweden, or Norway, questioning whether this is due to historical or economic significance or merely coincidence.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that the long winters in Scandinavia lead people to huddle indoors and invent new programming languages.
  • A different viewpoint raises a speculative idea about cultural beliefs regarding programming and the weather, proposing that the cold might influence creativity in technical fields.
  • One participant challenges the original assertion, stating that useful programming languages have been developed by many nationalities beyond Scandinavia.
  • A later reply reiterates the claim about the prominence of Scandinavian inventors in programming languages, suggesting that the facts support this perspective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of Scandinavian contributions to programming languages, with some supporting the notion of a unique cultural or environmental influence, while others contest the assertion and highlight contributions from other nationalities.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on historical interpretations and may depend on specific definitions of "accomplished" or "major programming languages," which are not fully explored in the discussion.

CyberShot
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Most of the inventors of major programming languages were either Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian, and they all have a lot of eminence in the field. Is there a historical or economic significance to this, or merely a very strange coincidence?

Not that this is a good or bad thing, except I'm just really extremely curious, and I tried searching around for an answer but couldn't find one. Has anyone else noticed this?
 
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Dude, have you ever been OUTSIDE in the winter in Scandinavia? And they have a LONG winter. They huddle indoors and invent new languages. :smile:
 
I sometimes wonder if they believe that the axis orientation of the Earth is programmable, and perhaps there exists the appropriate language to tap into the right registers in the core, ... you know, to get a better exposure to the sun in winter.

Well, if not that, perhaps the typing keeps their fingers warm.

Seriously though, they are very good in many technical areas, not just this one. Perhaps it's a cultural thing, and just maybe the weather does play a small role there.
 
Unfounded assertion. Useful programming languages have been developed my many nationalities other than those of Scandinavia.
 

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