Re: [DotGNU]Re: Support Java for .GNU

[John]

Does the fact that Java will no longer be shipped with 90% of the
desktop market influence this discussion at all?

John Le'Brecage

Norbert Bollow wrote:
> 
> > > I know that you want to make it "generalized", but I think we should 
> > > ellect
> > > one primary language/framework/development platform.
> 
> Actually there are five areas where a decision of choice
> of language needs to be made
> 
> 1) Primary language for writing low-level, system dependant libraries
> 2) Primary language for implementing bytecode -> machine code
>    compiler and bytecode interpreter
> 3) Also, we need a bytecode specification
> 4) Primary language for writing system independant code that
>    will be compiled to bytecode
> 5) And then, the compiler that compiles the language (4) to bytecode
>    needs to be written in some programming language.
> 
> > Only after the spec is built.  I think I speak for the rest of the core
> > team when I say that we need to define where we're going before we
> > decide what route we're taking to get there.  There will come a time to
> > decide these things, now is not that time.
> 
> I agree.  It's not too early to start thinking about what the
> options are, though.
> 
> For (1) I think C is the obvious choice, because
>   - it's good for fast, low-level programming
>   - many programmers know C
> 
> For (2) and (5) I think C is the obvious choice because that
> will allow tight integration with gcc.
> 
> For (3) there are several options
> a) Java bytecode, possibly with some modifications
> b) Microsoft's new bytecode, possibly with some modifications
> c) Create our own bytecode spec from scratch, possibly based on
>    Knuth's ideas
> 
> For (4) I think Java is the obvious choice.
> 
> > That time will most likely come soon, though.
> 
> Yes.  First we need to know what we want from the bytecode.
> Then choose a strategy for the bytecode.  Then make the other
> language choices.
> 
> Greetings, Norbert.
> 
> --
> Norbert Bollow, Weidlistr.18, CH-8624 Gruet  (near Zurich, Switzerland)
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