candygrammar
 n.

    A programming-language grammar that is mostly syntactic sugar; the term
    is also a play on ?candygram?. COBOL, Apple's Hypertalk language, and a
    lot of the so-called ?4GL? database languages share this property. The
    usual intent of such designs is that they be as English-like as possible,
    on the theory that they will then be easier for unskilled people to
    program. This intention comes to grief on the reality that syntax isn't
    what makes programming hard; it's the mental effort and organization
    required to specify an algorithm precisely that costs. Thus the invariable
    result is that ?candygrammar? languages are just as difficult to program in
    as terser ones, and far more painful for the experienced hacker.

    [The overtones from the old Chevy Chase skit on Saturday Night Live should
    not be overlooked. This was a Jaws parody. Someone lurking outside an
    apartment door tries all kinds of bogus ways to get the occupant to open
    up, while ominous music plays in the background. The last attempt is a
    half-hearted ?Candygram!? When the door is opened, a shark bursts in and
    chomps the poor occupant. [There is a similar gag in ?Blazing Saddles?
    ?ESR] There is a moral here for those attracted to candygrammars. Note
    that, in many circles, pretty much the same ones who remember Monty Python
    sketches, all it takes is the word ?Candygram!?, suitably timed, to get
    people rolling on the floor. ? GLS]

candygrammar

    A programming-language grammar that is mostly
   syntactic sugar; a play on "candygram".  COBOL, Apple
   Computer's Hypertalk language, and many 4GLs share this
   property.  The intent is to be as English-like as possible and
   thus easier for unskilled people to program.  However,
   syntax isn't what makes programming hard; it's the mental
   effort and organisation required to specify an algorithm
   precisely.  Thus "candygrammar" languages are just as
   difficult to program in, and far more painful for the
   experienced hacker.

   GLS notes: The overtones from the 1977 Chevy Chase "Jaws"
   parody on Saturday Night Live should not be overlooked.
   Someone lurking outside an apartment door tries to get the
   occupant to open up, while ominous music plays in the
   background.  The last attempt is a half-hearted "Candygram!"
   When the door is opened, a shark bursts in and chomps the poor
   occupant.  There is a moral here for those attracted to
   candygrammars.

   [Jargon File]

   (2004-09-23)