> A programming language is the single most expensive choice a company makes, yet we treat it like a technical debate

I'd have to disagree, it really isn't, and I even think that's kind of the point the article makes.

Rewritting existing services from scratch in another language can often be a bad decision, because it assumes the choice of programming language is an important one. And any rewrite is costly, doesn't matter the reason why.

But starting a new project in a new language I don't think has much impact generally. And if it motivates the team, because they're excited about it, it can even help.

Deciding later to rewrite this once it's been built because it's not in the same language as what is common at the company, that's likely the mistake that will happen.

By corollary with Warren Buffett's belief that the most important financial decision you will ever make is to choose your marital partner... The most expensive choice a company makes is who will lead.

NOT because a good leader will save $$$$$$; because a bad leader can single-handedly sink a ship.