Worst ideas/features in programming languages?

[Ola Fosheim Grøstad]

On Sunday, 24 October 2021 at 08:42:54 UTC, Ola Fosheim Grøstad 
wrote:
> instead of "or". There is no rational explanation, I think 
> people like to feel that they are using something advanced and 
> that a syntax that that is associated with advanced usage makes 
> them feel more skilled? Kinda like fashion...

Sorry for all the typos (ipad)...

Anyway cultural impact on syntax is intersting. In the 70s/80s 
screens were quite limited so it made sense to write more terse 
code. Quite prevalent for systems work, either low level or 
scripting. Python did a good job of cleaning up syntax in 
professional programming, which is a factor in its popularity. I 
think elitism has a lot to do with fashions in language syntax. 
Like, even when BASIC would be the best tool for a job, I think 
many would rather not use it as it would imply being a less 
sophisticated programmer...