From: James Britt <james.britt@...>
Date: 2009-08-12T07:58:05+09:00
Subject: Re: Use Ruby to create Win executable?

Manuel Souto pico wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I would like to post a general question about the convenience of using
> Ruby to program a simple application consisting of an interface where
> the user inputs some options and that interacts with another program's
> API to create some files.
> 
> I'll be doing this in Windows, by the way. I have Cygwin too.
> 
> I was suggested using VBScript to create a HTA application, because it's
> easy to program and easy to run, but I wanted to give Ruby a chance
> first. Java would be okay too but it take me much longer to learn.

Use JRuby + Monkeybars for effortless GUI building, then use Rawr to 
create the exe file.


> 
> So here are my questions (1 and 2 are the important ones):
> 
> 1. I think it's entirely possible to create a GUI with Ruby (either with
> Ruby itself or with Shoes). Is this right? (I'm more familiar with
> writing Perl scripts that I execute on the command-line, I have no
> experience with writing GUI).

For anything serious, look at using Swing + JRuby.


> 
> 2. I think it's possible to convert the final program to a executable
> file that I can distribute to Windows users for them to run the program
> without the need to install Ruby first. Is this right? How should I do
> that? How well does it work?

Rawr bundles up everything needed to run the app.  The end user just 
needs to have Java (almost guaranteed).

> 
> 3. A subjective, optional question, for whoever feels like answering and
> thinks they're not too biased. How do you think Ruby compares to
> VBScript in terms of both difficulty to learn from scratch and
> usefulness once you learnt? I only know some perl and php.


VBScript is OK for short hacks and scripting Office apps.  Not for 
anything substantial.


-- 
James Britt

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