From: Mark Hubbart <discord@...>
Date: 2004-06-19T00:17:34+09:00
Subject: Re: What is a binding for Ruby?


On Jun 17, 2004, at 11:58 PM, Todd Gardner wrote:

> Hello everyone,
>
> I need to use voice dictation software Dragon NaturallySpeaking on
> Windows 2000.  I would like use IBM's ViaVoice for Linux
> unfortunately, I work at company that shuns the idea of using Linux.
> For that reason I must use Windows.
>
> In general, I have been trying to utilize plotting packages that have
> not been written for Windows 2000.  Users of this group quite often
> recommend software to me and they say something like that software has
> a binding for Ruby.
>
> I'm guessing I have used bindings for Ruby and don't even know it.
>
> Pardon my ignorance:
>
> What is a binding for Ruby?
>
> How can I use a binding for Ruby?
>
> How can identify that something is a binding for Ruby?
>
> Do I need a compiler of some sort?

A binding (in this context) is an interface that lets Ruby use a 
certain library or piece of software. For example, RMagick is a Ruby 
binding for ImageMagick/GraphicsMagick, and it lets you work with those 
libraries using Ruby. When talking about Ruby bindings, you can be sure 
that the other piece of software is not written in Ruby, it is written 
in C, C++, etc.

If there are Windows binaries, you just install them, I think. If there 
are no Windows binaries, you would have to compile them yourself.

HTH,
Mark