Re: Some more thoughts on Java vs Mono debate

[Alan Cox <alan lxorguk ukuu org uk>]

On Maw, 2004-03-30 at 10:13, Xavier Cho wrote:
> Agreed. But don't you think it is a huge loss if we can't use many of
> useful 3rd party libraries or tools built around Java or .NET for
> compatibility reasons?

Definitely. Its equivalent to being able to program in C but not having
75% of the standard C library available. Anyone who had the misfortune
to write C code on VMS can probably relate to exactly what it was like.

I'd like to see the discussion split into the four seperate pieces
however

#1  Would it be a good idea to have something like XPCOM or the OO
classes to clean up the language binding issues once and for all

#2  Do java and/or C# as programming languages have a useful place in
writing apps for Gnome, especially as a required part

#3  Does the virtual machine stuff have any place in gnome, especially
as a required part

#4  What of #1-#3 are justified for the core of Gnome, given the current
issues with lower memory systems compared with rivals and given the
tendancy of Linux especially to be used on lower end hardware.

#4 is the big one. It means answering questions like "is there an open
source java or .net setup available for every platform/cpu supported",
is it actually usable, is the high overall performance cost justified,
is the size of the library baggage being added justified etc

The performance issues bother me, both .net and java people sound like
the (now defunct) OS world of microkernels "Its only 10% slower in our
carefully rigged demo not measuring system wide impact - but its worth
it". Native code may well solve this a JIT is unlikely to, however good.

Alan
--
"My java environment garbage collected and now there is nothing left.."
                          -- Anon