Languages vs Programmer Bugs

The cluster debates whether programming languages like C inherently encourage bugs through poor design or if bugs are solely due to programmer errors, highlighting compilers' reliability in catching issues over human mistakes.

➡️ Stable 0.7x Programming Languages
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#5052
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Keywords

UB CSS archive.org LANGSEC JavaScript IDE VM i.e SO ISO bugs errors mistakes language compiler make mistakes languages code programming programmers

Sample Comments

lesuorac Dec 15, 2024 View on HN

Or C code wouldn't have any bugs if developers were more careful?

javcasas Nov 10, 2025 View on HN

Some programming languages and runtimes encourage writing more bugs.

keeperofdakeys Jan 30, 2013 View on HN

The word is bugs. It's very hard, and almost impossible to fix all bugs. Code with no bugs is really code with no known bugs. Especially when dealing with C and assembly, different parts of the code can effect other parts in ways a programmer may not anticipate. You really need to get a 'safer' language to prevent certain types of bugs, especially with the "data and code share the same segments" model of C.

saagarjha Feb 9, 2024 View on HN

I don't think there is a language that can guarantee correct operation when you write bugs in it ;)

skohan Jun 21, 2022 View on HN

Theoretically, but humans are less reliable than a compiler at catching issues.

saagarjha Nov 22, 2022 View on HN

The average developer is typically more error prone than their compilers is.

sltkr Apr 16, 2014 View on HN

Programmer's habits are possibly less reliable than requirements enforced by the compiler.

ClumsyPilot Feb 28, 2020 View on HN

You statement about absolute correctness doe snot really make sence -vast majorulity of bugs in all software I've ever used are not due to the language design, but are due to blatant mistakes of the application developers.

basscomm Nov 10, 2025 View on HN

It's possible to write buggy software in every language.

moistly Sep 2, 2022 View on HN

A language that makes it more difficult to write bugs.