[ruby-talk:02991] Re: Ruby, moxilla & xpcom

Conrad Schneiker wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Dave Thomas wrote:
>
> > [e-mail] 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. "

<snip>

Oops--lost a level of quotes on my previous post on this next paragraph:

> > > Once the bindings for perl and python are done it shouldn't be so hard
> > > to do them for Ruby since the code is all open source. Effectively it
> > > means mozilla could a the cross platform gui toolkit for ruby.
>
> I think that is a great idea.
>
> > 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.
>
> Of course I agree that Ruby is in the class of full programming languages,
> but I think we can think hard _and_ chase this opportunity.
>
> However, I also think that Perl and Python are full-fledged programming
> languages as well Ruby, and I have certainly previously used Perl as such. I
> don't think we should demean Perl and Python (or otherwise mischaracterize
> them) by calling them scripting languages, which is what bsh, csh, ksh, bash,
> Tcl, and so on are. There are better ways to say that Ruby is a better OO
> programming language than Perl or Python--as for instance, by simply saying
> so.
>
> You can use a fast powerful backhoe for digging ditches without fear that
> people with confuse a backhoe with a mere shovel--as long as people don't
> keep calling backhoes shovels. That the competition uses shovels shouldn't
> detur us from employing power tools on the job, and thereby outdoing them.

Conrad Schneiker
(This note is unofficial and subject to improvement without notice.)