What does “powerful” mean, when discussing programming languages?

Question

In the context of programming language discussion/comparison, what does the term \"power\" mean?

Does it have a well defined meaning? Even a poorly defined meaning?

Answer 1

nothing absolutely nothing.

To high level programmers it might mean alot of available datatypes built in. Or maybe abstractions to easily create or follow Design Patterns.

Paul Graham is a very high level guy here is what he has to say: http://www.paulgraham.com/avg.html

Java guys might tell you something about portability, the power to reach every platform.

C/UNIX programmers may tell you that its speed and efficiency, complete control over every inch of memory.

VHDL/Verilog programmers will tell you its complete control over every clock and gate so as to not waste any electricity or time.

But in my opinion a "powerful language" supports all of the features for you to complete your task. Documentation may be important, or perhaps it is portability, or the ability to do graphics. It could be anything, writing a gui from Assembly is just stupid, so is trying to design an embedded processor in flash.

Choosing a language that suits your needs perfectly will always feel like power.

Answer 2

I remember many instructors in college calling whatever language they were teaching "powerful".

Leads me to think:

Powerful = a relative term comparing the latest way to code something vs. the original or previous way.