[sjreese]

I agree - it is a big compiler that has backward compatibility for java apps. The problem is code logic where at one point we had to use stringIO to read every byte - now we have fileIO to read a record. Old code worked but was too slow, Marcos and calls gave us screenIO in bytes 40by60 today 1024by720 seems small - the old code is just too slow - COBOL/IMS is in service today but 45 magabytes a second, means batch runs all night and why there's COBOL/DB2 - In sum without c++, information engineering and the dropping of recycled ideas this goes nowhere .. better is to build new faster chips, bit processing tools(ML), Such that I can say build me a light saber(NL) and there is a call to 3D printers, metal fabrication, laser delimiters, and butane assembly! TO HAVE ON DEMAND MANUFACTURING of goods Eg(star trek replication)