[jb55]

I used to think this when all I knew was C++ and Java, when I defended them feverishly. Then after using them for 5-10 years I am now in the "why do we torture ourselves with these inexpressive languages" group. These language should be criticized, or else your regular joe won't know any better and waste a large chunk of their life going down a painful path.

That's not to say they still don't have their niche for high performance applications. It's just that in most cases other, more expressive languages are usually a better choice.