[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> I'm philosophising about directions REBOL could take. I've been working on a
> C based editor/IDE for REBOL (just Ctrl+R, your script is saved and REBOL is
> run on the script), and I've also downloaded two varieties of SmallTalk and
> had a little play with both.
> So what do C and SmallTalk have to do with REBOL? Well, at least one of
> the SmallTalks had been self-extended by having (as I understand it) a
> SmallTalk to C translator. With this, development for a new interface (for
> example, reading, playing and writing midi or other media files) is done in
> the SmallTalk environment, then when the code works correctly, C code is
> generated and compiler, then included into the SmallTalk 'image'.
> With the aid of REBOL/Command (when it comes out), a malleable REBOL
> environment with _native_ look and feel (or with a default look and feel),
> could be developed. With a simplistic REBOL to C or machine code translator
> (one that operates on script that isn't self modifying), a fast, intuitive,
> easily enhanced environment could be created. This could lead to, as with
> SmallTalk, a environment or even operating system, based entirely on REBOL.
>
> pekr and others, what do you think?
Well, first - why me? :-) I am not familiar with low level stuff as language
compilers, etc.
Second - I am not sure I feel like to express my thoughts, visions and requests
for improvements, as such simple message asking about status of Rebol Netware
version generated email sent to me, expressing I want too much from Rebol Tech
and that I should be glad with what I get.
I am sad now, as Rebol (together with TaoAmiga and QNX Neutrino) are
technologies I want to follow, definitely. So, is it the right time now to ask
such questions? I am not sure RT folks will not feel offended by constant
requests of change this, do that, etc. stuff. I felt the same during the long
discussion about what should be released first - Command or View.
Hell, I am not only programmer (although not so good), but also a press person.
I am used to ask questions. We've developed system for sales department here.
Folks didn't want to implement abstraction on the level I was thinking about.
Things are showing now from time to time. Just look at W9x line - you can still
feel W3.1 philosophy there. And why? Because of bad W3.1 design.
So, the reason I am asking "too much" sometimes is because I feel there is still
enough time to change things, if it would make sense to do some changes.
Remember - once millions will use Rebol, it's too late for some possible design
changes. That's also the reason why one of my first reactions on View was - why
this works this way, why this is not possible, etc. There are others to say
"hey, it's great product". Does it mean I don't think Rebol is great? Absolutly
not. If so, I wouldn't be here anymore.
So now to your vision, Andrew. Can we make it without RT support? Rebol doesn't
offer any plug-in, modules, whatever mechanisms YET. I think we will have to
wait for /Command release to see, what RT thinks about the direction you
suggested. I know interpreted Matlab for e.g. allows generation of C code too
...
IIRC, REBOL/Author was one of planned REBOL products. During 1.x times, Jrm
tried to implement Rebol compiler (or Rebol compatible language?) called
Scherman. Official words of Carl (not related to Scherman) were something like
it would be possible to partially compile some set of expressions, or something
like that. I don't know it is still planned or essential for RT. Similar
discussions were held here already.
I feel one and only REBOL.exe and /View, /Draw, and others in the form of
loadable, unloadable modules is essential, as it could prevent us from dealing
with two (or more?) different versions of Core. My friends which are in web
development feel that Apache modul has to get database support, or it will fail.
Some of us would like to prevent the code to be seen by others, from whatever
reasons. Runtime Rebol? Embeddable rebol? Script compilation and obj generation?
You and others would like to see C code generated.
Where is the answer? What to do first? What to do at all? :-)
However, I would be really glad, if everyone could express his oppinion without
the fear of negative reactions ....
Best wishes,
-pekr-
>
>
> Andrew Martin
> REBOLution the OS...
> ICQ: 26227169
> http://members.xoom.com/AndrewMartin/
> -><-
