2004: PHP is quick, let's use that.
2006/7: PHP is slow, let's build a compiler for it (HipHop)
2010/11: Still slow, let's build a VM and compile to assembly (HHVM)
2012: types are cool, let's build an oCaml parser to pretend they exist in PHP!
I kinda view it as Zuckerberg profoundly agreed with the never rewrite code theory.
2004: PHP is quick, let's use that.
2006/7: PHP is slow, let's build a compiler for it (HipHop)
2010/11: Still slow, let's build a VM and compile to assembly (HHVM)
2012: types are cool, let's build an oCaml parser to pretend they exist in PHP!
I kinda view it as Zuckerberg profoundly agreed with the never rewrite code theory.