From: Joseph <jlhurtado@...>
Date: 2006-09-19T07:26:25+09:00
Subject: Why not a Ruby 1.8 to 2.x Code Convertor?

Having read the long discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of
language evolution, I have to agree with the original poster.

If there is significant change in the language, yes there will be a
cost to upgrade the source code to the new standards.

So why shouldn't the Ruby community create the same tool the Perl
community is apparently working on:  an automatic CODE CONVERTOR or
"upgrader" from 1.8 to 2.x?

It is a great idea, they have even thrown in a "compatibility mode" to
their plans!

Although I am no fan of PERL, we have to recognize folks, THIS is a
great idea, here's what they say at Perl 6 FAQ:


  "Will I be able to convert my Perl 5 programs to Perl 6?

  Yes. Larry Wall and others are already working on a Perl 5 to Perl 6
translator, which will be able to translate (most) Perl 5 source code
to the equivalent Perl 6 syntax.

  'In addition, Perl 6 will provide a "Perl 5 compatibility mode",
allowing the compiler to directly execute any code that it recognizes
as being written in Perl 5.'
   Source: http://dev.perl.org/perl6/faq.html


This sounds to me like a perfect open source tool that would benefit
all Ruby developers... easing the transition, especially of
applications with a lot of Ruby code.

Best Regards,

Jose Hurtado
Web Developer / Ruby Fan
Toronto, Canada