I agree; which is why I generally get confused when I see that criticism. This is only an assumption though; maybe its just a vocal minority that don't like R or I only notice the negative comments. Who knows
For what it’s worth, I am a JavaScript programmer and I feel like HN shits on JS All. The. Time. Some people just like to shit on languages.
I think it’s just insecurity. They worry a lot about whether they’re a good enough developer, so they try hard to be on the “most advanced” platform they can figure out, and then need to talk down to the other platforms.
Secure, talented, older developers, in my experience, tend to be open to whatever technology is most appropriate. They have confidence in their ability to learn new things. And see the good traits of any tech, as well as the bad one—a necessary skill if you’re going to be the kind of developer who can make traction in any situation.
The platform fetishists can only really work from inside their special tower.
