How have they withered? Does every programming language have to compete for world domination via cancerous growth? I thought that only applied to VC backed startups and public companies if the startups survive...

They’re not actively used in any circles I move in. The fact that your back is up suggests you have something invested in these antiquated niche tools.

Seriously? I tried Perl only once ever in my life time and I've never done Ruby.

Doesn't mean I have to deny them the right to exist because they don't have a "community*".

* more like a religion for some programming languages.

They have a right to exist. But there is strength in community. Successful platforms facilitate this and provide a means for participants to exceed the sum of there parts.

This can in turn fuel development of the platform therefore helping keep it relevant.

In recent times we call this “the network effect” and it applies to more than just social media.

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