From: abucci@cs.brandeis.edu   
      
   > I've never heard of SML before and have not programmed in Haskel,   
   > but when you *do* encounter a program error in these languages, can you   
   > fix the error while the program is running and continue?   
   > If so, I'll give those languages a look.   
   >   
   > If not, Lisp is clearly superior as a language for AI development,   
   > where by definition you are tackling very difficult problems and   
   > exploring different solutions.   
      
   What?  Your ability to hot-swap code is a function of the development   
   tools you use, not the language proper.  There are JDKs that let you do   
   the kind of experimentation you're talking about with Java, for instance,   
   while other JDKs don't permit such tinkering.  I agree, "what-if"  style   
   programming can be very powerful, but I don't think it's necessary for AI   
   development.  It can also be a hindrance -- hacking is the wrong way to   
   approach some problems.   
      
   Anthony   
      
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