From: Clifford Heath <no@...>
Date: 2007-10-22T19:05:08+09:00
Subject: Re: IronRuby...will it be like J++?

Thufir wrote:
> Could it be that Microsoft won't fully implement the language 
> specifications, a la the J++ versus Java scenario?

They have no need to do that.

> What are some potential issues down the road?

The issue is that many Ruby programs will be built that rely on
(i.e. benefit from) using facilities only available on MS platforms.
That's good if you need those programs, but the rest of us won't be
able to run them. The sheer size of the MS installed base means that
over time, there'll be no certainty for anyone new to Ruby about how
to find a program they can use. Almost all cross-platform Ruby program
will spawn MS-specific forks, and the community will divide into those
whose programs work on Microsoft and those who don't.

Classic divide and conquer, combined with a swamping strategy,
regardless of licensing issues. Divide the community and make the
smaller group irrelevant.

Clifford Heath.