Wikipedia Chooses Lua As Its New Template Language

bonch writes "In an attempt to tackle the inefficient complexity of its current template system, Wikipedia will be adopting the Lua scripting language. Known most for its use in videogame scripting, particularly World of Warcraft, Lua is lightweight and designed for easy integration into existing applications. The transition is expected to begin after the release of MediaWiki 1.19, possibly in May." Basically, the template system started turning into an ugly programming language. There was debate over using Javascript or Lua; Lua ultimately won due to implementation concerns. The mailing list threads announcing the decision and discussing the change have further details.

Stop delaying the inevitable.

[MadKeithV]

"the template system started turning into an ugly programming language" - ah, any sufficiently complex system eventually evolves to contain a limited, broken version of Common Lisp.
Stop delaying the inevitable!

Re:Stop delaying the inevitable.

[goldaryn]

"the template system started turning into an ugly programming language" - ah, any sufficiently complex system eventually evolves to contain a limited, broken version of Common Lisp. Stop delaying the inevitable!

LEEEEEEEROOOY JEEEEEENKIIIIIIIIINNSSS

Re:Lua

[Anonymous Coward]

Javascript is web scale. Lua is not web scale. Also: Lua comes from Brazil. You know what else comes from Brazil? Waxed balls. I wouldn't trust a programmer that waxes his balls. If he can't make good decisions involving his nutsack, can he make godo decisions involving language design? (Just look at PHP!)

Re:Lua

[james_van]

That's a really valid argument. Im inclined to agree.

Re:Sounds exciting

[Talderas]

I want a DPS meter addon for wikipedia.

Re:Lua

[Hognoxious]

Lua is a terrible language. It is also an excellent language.

FTFY (see WP:NPOV)

Re:Lua

[glwtta]

I wouldn't trust a programmer that waxes his balls. If he can't make good decisions involving his nutsack, can he make godo decisions involving language design?

Seems like a perfectly good decision to me. There really is nothing like a shorn scrotum, it's breathtaking; I suggest you try it.