[ericmo]

> This is academic/engineering/mathematics stuff. For equations, matrices, and such. You don't build accounting systems with these things. (Of course someone must have already done it!)

As an engineer, I have to say I don't like what is going on here, what's the point in tossing academics, mathematicians and engineers aside? Many software fields, such as artificial intelligence or machine learning, benefit from the use of Matlab or R language. And of course, these are for Math stuff - I usually come to HN to read less obvious things.

Using R to build an accounting system wouldn't be that silly if there are heavy statistics to tackle. You can do mixed Java/R, R can be used in its domain. And BTW, it'd be much simpler to use Java for an accounting system than using Scala.

[ericmo]

Also, considering that Martin Odersky who designed the Scala language is an academic who teaches at EPFL, I even feel ashamed about how this article approaches "academic stuff".