Worse is better: C# versus F#

C# is a great programming language, but F# is better. This article is part of a series called Worse is better, in which I muse on technologies and techniques that became popular despite superior alternatives. Think VHS versus Betamax. In this article, I will argue that F# is superior to C# along most axes of comparison. Popularity ranking # It's easier to compare C# and F# than it is to compare, say, Java to Haskell. When comparing most languages, you'll realistically need to take into account not only syntax and expressibility, but also the entire surrounding ecosystem: Build tools, hosting options, frameworks and libraries, knowledge bases, etc. While I admit that I haven't rigorously looked into this, I'd be surprised if no supported Oracle data provider exists for Java, but is there one for Haskell? Even if one exists, how good is it? Is it supported? By whom? It's easier to compare C# and F# because many such variables are fixed and the same. Both languages run on .NET. If you…