[uuid_to_string]

How many LOC in the libraries used to be able to write the implementation in 500 lines of Python?

Why not include some experiments with Lua and lpeg?

It would probably be faster than Java or Python.

And arguably Lua is easier to learn.

Maybe the work required (one-time cost) would be rewarded with significant gains.

[sanxiyn]

As you can easily check yourself, it uses no external library whatsoever besides Python standard library. So the answer to the first question is zero.

[uuid_to_string]

The standard libraries count as an external library.

Why wouldn't they?

[inportb]

In most cases, the Python standard library is bundled with Python.

[uuid_to_string]

When I install Python I get about 14MB of stuff.

The interpreter is about 8K.

The libpython shared library is about 1.5MB.

If what you are referring to as the standard library is in that 1.5MB, then disregard my comment on LOC.

If it's in that remaining 12MB or so of stuff, then I'm wondering if LOC counts should include what is in there that is required for these programs to run.

Look at it this way. If I download 12MB of code and then I write 500 lines, does that mean I am a master of writing small, compact code?

Sure, if you ignore the 12MB I had to download first.

I'm not singling out Python. Perl, Ruby, etc. are equally large.

The point is you are downloading 1000's of LOC to enable you to write "short" programs.

Nothing wrong with that. But those 12MB that were needed beforehand... should we just ignore all that when we count LOC?

Maybe one has to do embedded work to have an appreciation for memory and storage limitations and thus the sheer size of these scripting libraries.

[kylebgorman]

Yes, we should ignore library code LOC as there's no associated cognitive/maintenance overhead, which is what we are really trying to count. I have happily used (C)Python for a decade without peaking at the source. Same goes for, say, math.h

[uuid_to_string]

Interesting opinion.

The "overhead" I'm concerned with is based in hardware, not my own creativity.