D fell into the same trap. D 1.0 started as a relatively simple language mixing OOP and basic template semantics and attracted many people from Java/C# backgrounds. But with D 2.0 they started to appeal more to C++ programmers. Advanced template metaprogramming, even language features were added to make it easier to interop with C++, in hopes that C++ programmers will transition parts of their apps to D.
In the meantime, chasing C++ programmers introduced problems. Template heavy code means that IDEs can't follow it well and there's problems with compilation time. C++ programmers never were keen on GC so D tried to introduce GC-free semantics for the language which aren't complete.
I don't think C++ programmers in general are worth chasing. If they stuck with C++ for such a long time, it means they are used to it and accept C++ with all its flaws. It's also my impression that Rust is attracting more JS programmers than C++.
> If they stuck with C++ for such a long time, it means they are used to it and accept C++ with all its flaws.
This is also partly because there was never a language that fit the niche where GC isn't a good fit that brought enough to the table in the eyes of that space. Even today some improvements like being able to avoid UB or seemingly high level features like pattern matching are looked upon with suspicion.
> It's also my impression that Rust is attracting more JS programmers than C++.
I think this is a testament to how successful the efforts to bring high level constructs to the systems space have been, as well as the ongoing efforts to make the system level features be ergonomic and usable by as many people as possible.
If you have a theoretically perfect language that only three high priests in an ivory tower can use, then you don't have what Rust is trying to be.
> I don't think C++ programmers in general are worth chasing. If they stuck with C++ for such a long time, it means they are used to it and accept C++ with all its flaws
People don’t use C++ because it’s convenient and easy, they use it because it’s one of the best widely used options/ecosystems if performance really matters.
Any other language targeting this space has to chase C++ users because C++ is so prevalent. It would be like coming up with a new general purpose dynamic language and not appealing to Python users, or a new stats modeling language and not appealing to R users.
In the meantime, chasing C++ programmers introduced problems. Template heavy code means that IDEs can't follow it well and there's problems with compilation time. C++ programmers never were keen on GC so D tried to introduce GC-free semantics for the language which aren't complete.
I don't think C++ programmers in general are worth chasing. If they stuck with C++ for such a long time, it means they are used to it and accept C++ with all its flaws. It's also my impression that Rust is attracting more JS programmers than C++.