From: Dave Thomas <Dave@...>
Date: 2000-05-25T06:42:29-05:00
Subject: [ruby-talk:02983] Re: Ruby, moxilla & xpcom

ian_maclean74@my-deja.com writes:

> JavaScript will join Perl and Python as supported languages in
> ActiveState's powerful Komodo integrated development environment. This
> will allow Web developers to edit, run and debug their JavaScript
> programs in a professional-class development tool fully oriented to the
> Web, while maintaining a close integration with the browser. In turn,
> Perl and Python will join JavaScript as programming languages in
> Mozilla, thereby making it easier for Open Source programmers to use
> the Mozilla framework, and giving Mozilla developers access to
> additional scripting technologies. "

Of course given Activestate's links with Microsoft, this could just be 
a convenient way of putting all the competitors to VB in a single
place before they are embraced, extended, etc.

Although I can see the attractions, I think we should think hard
before chasing this one. Perl and JavaScript, and to a lesser extent
Python, are scripting languages. I think Ruby is more. To me, Ruby is
a full programming language--one where I can design, implement, and
ship large scale applications. That is a strong differentiator, a way
of answering people who say "do we need another scripting language?".
Let's not rush to weaken that distinction.


Regards


Dave