From: David Masover <ninja@...>
Date: 2008-06-08T16:23:37+09:00
Subject: Re: GUI library/framework?

On Sunday 08 June 2008 02:03:23 ProgramDragon wrote:
> I think someone already asked this, but I want to confirm:

In the future, try to find the old thread and reply to it instead of starting 
a new one.

>     I am trying to write a program with a GUI, but I don't know what GUI 
> framework is the best.

Nobody knows that yet, I think. That's why there's so many of them.

>     I want to be able to write this program so that the end user can install 
> ruby, then run the program and it will start with no other installation 
> needed (like installing gems, etc, however I can do the gems in the program 
> on first run if it comes down to it).

That's a completely separate problem from what GUI library to use. If you're 
afraid to use libraries for this reason, SOLVE THIS PROBLEM NOW, and then 
worry about GUI libraries. Simplifying your installation program is not an 
excuse for NIH syndrome -- and just think how much time you'll have to polish 
it if you find that half the program you wanted is already a gem.

If it's an open source project, or at least free-as-in-beer, you might 
consider simply making it a gem. Then, all your users need to do is type:

gem install my_great_program

and all the dependent gems will be installed.