The old Erlang mailing list/twit o'sphere is in a fluster. A manic phase: “WhatsApp - they'll no be asking who uses Erlang now!" preceded by a depressive phase "why isn't Erlang more popular?".

The Erlang community is the last place with insight into why Erlang is not popular.

So lets ask people NOT in the community. Here is a list of hypotheses.

Erlang is not more successful because:

* OTP means Open Telephony Platform

* Erlang/OTP is run by Ericsson

* the syntax is prolog-y & not c-y or ruby-y or python-y, its just too damn erlang-y

* no package manager

* no list of open source packages

* no community site

* the mailing list is the community

* everyone knows each other from Stockholm

* it is too hard to get a first working app

* lists for strings, aargh!

* no for loops, eek!

* variables don't vary, whimper!

* people don't learn OTP first but start with Erlang

* people don't learn Erlang first but start with OTP

* no docs

* too many docs but it is the wrong sort

* not enough teaching materials

* doesn't run on the JVM

* we used to think that it was because there were no books...

* Erlang Solutions isn't a proper internet company

* the language develops too slowly

* emacs is the IDE

Some things people are pinning their hats on:

* more books, yay!

* WhatsApp!

* Elixir is irresistable to Rubyists

* LuvvieScript will prove irresistable to the JSers (disclaimer, I'm lying)

* FP is trés, trés à la mode

* LFE & Joxa will be the little lisps that can...

* something will turn up

* something better turn up

* oh God, get me another drink, even at Stockholm prices, I'll be here when something turns up, but by God, a feed of strong drink is the only way to endure the wait

It would be helpful if you would say if you have:

* never used Erlang nor considered it

* tried it & stopped

* use it regularly

So fire away. Do your worst. Hold nothing back.

user:	skittles
created:	February 21, 2007
karma:	186