Opinion: Java, Mono, Ruby, and Python in Linux == Problem?

Magnus Therning magnus at therning.org
Mon Aug 8 21:13:42 UTC 2005


On Sun, Aug 07, 2005 at 10:47:26PM -0400, Andy Choens wrote:
[..]
>I'm actually a little worried about Desktop Linux and Gnome in
>particular.  Many would accuse a Kubuntu user of being biased, but I
>predict a serious trainwreck in the not-so-distant future unless the
>Gnome camp can settle on the topic of which to use.
>
>Perhaps someone can explain why I am completely crazy here, but as I
>see it Redhat seems to want to use some form of open-source Java.  SUN
>wants to use their Java, therefore Open Office  uses Java for various
>things....like a database.  (Strangest place to put Java if you ask
>me....)  Novell wants to use Mono, so does Miguel.  Ubuntu seems to
>like python.
>
>If you look at Gnome-files there are many Mono apps getting churned out
>right now.  None of which will run on a desktop that doesn't support
>Mono (For sake of argument please don't point out that you can put Mono
>onto Red Hat, I'm well aware of this.)
>
>Here's my concern.  Red Hat isn't going to use Mono.  They've made that
>pretty clear.  But, it looks like that means their version of Evolution
>is going to start getting less useful and more people will have to
>start bolting mono onto RH to use the plug-ins they want to use.  Does
>Red Hat start moving away from mainstream GNOME?
>
>Or, does Novell move away from Mainstream GNOME and have their own
>little Mono version, which everyone kinda has to run if they want to
>take full advantage of evolution?

Once upon a time I was worried about this as well. But I stopped
worrying after thinking about it for a little while. It simply isn't a
problem!

If Red Hat opts to not go near Mono, but there is a killer app
implemented in Mono (Tomboy? Beagle?) then they have three options:

 1. Live crippled (possibly relying on outside sources to provide Mono,
    i.e. some misguided RPM fan compiles Mono and apps for Red Hat
    systems).

 2. Re-implement the app in an acceptable (to them) language/run-time.

 3. Bite the bullet and swallow their pride.

Apply the same reasoning to every commercialised app!

>Does everyone run everything on their computers?  To me it seems silly
>to have a Java interpreter, a Python interpreter, and a Mono
>interpreter running on the same computer at the same time.  This seems
>like a HUGE waste of system resources.  Maybe it's not....but it
>certainly doesn't seem like the most organized way of building a
>Desktop.  It actually seems like it makes things more complicated
>rather than less complicated.  I say this because having so many
>different languages and API's in the soup won't make it easier to build
>in tight integration for things like CUT/Paste (something GNOME
>struggles with anyway), etc.

True. However, the opposite (one framework running all apps) doesn't
absolutely mean a more lean and mean desktop. AFAIK MacOSX has some nice
desklet-thingamabob, it uses Javascript and eats amazing amounts of
system resources!

In the end I think the diversity is a strength. It isn't newbie
friendly, but it assures survival...

[..]

>I don't want this to happen.  I happen to truly believe that
>competition is a good/useful thing.  If Gnome implodes/fragments beyond
>all recognition, it won't be a good thing for KDE, or Linux in general.
>M$ would have a field day with the FUD on that one.  Nor do I think
>this is imminent.  It's just something I'm noticing and wondering
>about.

Stop worrying and trust the power of evolution and adaptability inherent
in Open Source.

/M

-- 
Magnus Therning                    (OpenPGP: 0xAB4DFBA4)
magnus at therning.org
http://therning.org/magnus

Software is not manufactured, it is something you write and publish.
Keep Europe free from software patents, we do not want censorship
by patent law on written works.

Beauty is more important in computing than anywhere else in technology
because software is so complicated. Beauty is the ultimate defence
against complexity.
     -- David Gelernter
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