As a programmer with almost exclusively statically-typed compiled language experience, I used to strongly believe this too. In the last year, though, I've seriously toyed around with a number of dynamic languages, really trying to grok the dynamic mindset, and it's been very eye-opening. I never expected quite the degree of productivity boost that I have felt in these languages, and I must admit that I've also found many of them quite joyful to work with. Dynamic languages are profoundly creative, in all the senses of creative. I've found myself thinking about my programs in a totally different way, which has been really lovely (and honestly a timely reminder of what I loved about programming in the first place).
To be fair, I will readily say that the lack of static analysis really does bite when refactoring, though I think that good design principles and the overall productivity multiplier may offset that cost (also unique, descriptive, grep-able names!). I guess I've also seen enough C++ template spaghetti to know that static typing is no panacea either.
I don't know to what extent I'll use dynamic languages going forward, though for now I'm kind of in love with opening up a window into the computer and building up my digital sandcastles. Many of these languages also have a great FFI story, which is making me dream up cool bilingual projects that play on the strengths of both approaches.
All in all, no regrets about my adventures in dynamic-land.
To be fair, I will readily say that the lack of static analysis really does bite when refactoring, though I think that good design principles and the overall productivity multiplier may offset that cost (also unique, descriptive, grep-able names!). I guess I've also seen enough C++ template spaghetti to know that static typing is no panacea either.
I don't know to what extent I'll use dynamic languages going forward, though for now I'm kind of in love with opening up a window into the computer and building up my digital sandcastles. Many of these languages also have a great FFI story, which is making me dream up cool bilingual projects that play on the strengths of both approaches.
All in all, no regrets about my adventures in dynamic-land.