From: ser@... (Sean Russell)
Date: 2004-07-20T23:02:12+09:00
Subject: Re: Compiling Ruby code

David Ross <drossruby@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:<20040719161148.44048.qmail@web21529.mail.yahoo.com>...
> I do not know if I can look at the source to make a
> specification, then start working on a compiler that
> is under a BSD license. Most of the code is copyright
> by Matz and the companies that hired him. I do not
> want any legal complications. --David 

Hey David,

I just wanted to let you know that I'm all for you exploring this
(Ruby-to-native compiler).  I'm a little distressed that the first
responses that you got to your posting were "it can't be done," "it
will be harder than you think," "you won't get the performance gain
you expect," etc., etc..  I think a native Ruby compiler *is*
possible, although some aspects will be difficult, and I'd *love* to
see a good one.

You might talk to Robert Feldt, or take a look at RockIt.  I suspect
that Robert has a formal grammar for Ruby floating around somewhere
and has a pretty good specification in his head if not on paper.  It
would be a pretty good place to start.

There are a number of unit tests for Ruby and Ruby code in the Ruby
CVS repository.  You should be able to *use* those without violating
any white-room requirements you have.

Finally, you might just email Matz, and ask him to give you a
specific, written exemption from whatever IP or copyright restrictions
you're concerned about for this specific project.

--- SER