From: Mark Probert <probertm@...>
Date: 2002-08-28T04:03:24+09:00
Subject: Re: compile time type checking




>I think the main reason that languages such as Ruby, Python, Perl and TCL 
>*tend* to be used for "scripting" as opposed to "real applications" is 
>that they lack compile time type checking. Since there is no compile step 
>in Ruby, maybe this should be called pre-release type checking.  ... I'm 
>curious how some of you that have written real applications in Ruby have 
>dealt with this.

I think that it depends on your needs.  The "real applications" that I create
using Ruby tend to have very simple user interfaces, usually just a bunch of
command-line options.  I hid all of the complicated stuff at arms length from
the user.

So, all of the "input" is strings, which are valid or not (such as an IP 
address).
I guess you could say that I design around the type issue.

>I love Ruby syntax, but this issue may be one that keeps many people using 
>Java instead.

Not for me.  Ruby is -much- more elegant and runs all the places I need it
to run (Win and Unix).  And I just love the power and the speed (really!).
I use the Telnet module a lot and find it -much- faster and less buggy than
Perl, and vastly simpler than using a compiled version.



-mark.