The latest Hanselminutes Dynamic vs Compiled Languages is a must listen for all software developers. Scott does a great job of breaking it down.

My favorite quote:

"Really awesome tests within an interpreted dynamic environment can actually take the place of the compiler...all that the compiler does is syntax check your intent, but a test is a really great way of expressing your intent."

To me, a test is a great way of expressing your intent in a very specific way that is applicable to your domain. The only compiler that I know of that can help can check that intent is the human pairing beside you.

In fact, the domain just happens to be the problem you are trying to solve in the first place. A client could care less how you convert a string to an integer, what they want to see is their business logic working.

Let me know your thoughts on Dynamic vs Compiled Languages.  I think it is an interesting conversation that requires an open mind.