> > It took us a long time to get php-dev@ moving on the new version > because most of them were still using PHP 3 for their production sites. > The fact that you guys are so strongly in favor of putting this cool > feature into ZE1 proves that not putting it in could give ZE2 a big > boost of momentum. Everyone feels very strongly about this feature. > (On a side note, at least that makes me happy that people liked this > revolutionary/negligible performance impact patch :)
> > I think we need this new momentum. A new version of the engine is very > important if we want PHP to compete with the latest technologies. If > PHP doesn't get moving on its next version I'm afraid it won't be able > to maintain its current position in the market. > The only person I have seen thinking of what he'd like to get done for > PHP 5 is Wez. > By the way, the only personal gain I have in getting ZE2 out of there > is that it's my code and that PHP will do much better. I think that > PHP is going to loose out big time if things don't start gaining some > momentum. Backporting is definitely a momentum breaker *especially* as > everyone really really wants to backport it badly. That's exactly my > point. If you guys want it so badly then work for it! :) > > Andi One difference between now and the 2->3->4 transition was that then there was a much smaller development group, and one that was invested in and focused on the new versions. Decisions were made primarily by a small group, so even our arguments could be thrashed out fairly quickly. This is not so true today. It's a much larger group of developers, more focused on features needed to do their stuff, rather than the language itself. I don't think that is a bad thing, PHP can use ever more features, but I think PHP has gotten big enough that a smaller group needs to sit down and outline a roadmap and proceedures that will help move towards the goals outlined by the roadmap. The roadmap can't of course prevent someone from implementing stuff not in the roadmap, but at least it would give PHP development a more visible and focused direction than it has now, and what must be done for each version. I suggest a smaller group, because by experience, talking about this stuff in large groups, such as php-dev, leads to never ending cycles of discussion and argument that lead nowhere. The larger group can comment on the roadmap, providing possibly valuable feedback, but it cannot provide the focus necessary to drive development in a targeted direction. Personally, I would trash 4.3, and focus on the next major version including ze2. Do it now, get it over with. Having this non-descript 4.3 between now and ze2 is somewhat distracting. There can be minor point releases to backport bug fixes, etc. Modules can be independently released via PECL if necessary. Afterthought, the only important language item I can think of for 4.3 that shouldn't wait is getting pear in there. I'm sure someone will dissagree. Shane -- PHP Development Mailing List <http://www.php.net/> To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
