[REBOL] OT, was Re: What's Native
From: ed::brittlestar::com at: 22-Jun-2004 21:11
Gabriele wrote:
> Hi Ed,
>
> EOC> I wonder why Eclipse/SWT became so popular if native-like apps are
not a
> EOC> factor? Doesn't Java provide its own built-in GUI libraries (Swing,
etc.)?
> Because the Java ones just suck? :)
>
Ooof! Low blow!
I have a good friend whose been an accomplished Java programmer for quite a
few years at a high-tech company.
A while ago I joked with him that Philip Greenspun referred to Java as the
sport-utility vehicle (SUV)
of programming lanugages.
(http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/philg/2003/09/20). He didn't like my comment,
and I remember it backfiring on me:
Friend: "It's not such a terrible analogy. What kind of vehicle would you
expect to win a cross-desert baja race? An SUV, right? What kind of vehicle
would REBOL be, an experimental car?"
Me: "Not sure... something simple and lightweight. Some users have compared
it to a bicycle."
Friend: (laughing) "No, I've seen REBOL, and a bicycle isn't a good
example-- it's more like a unicycle. It's designer would see the second
wheel as bloat and decide that a superior design would require just one. Ha!
A unicycle-- good for quick stunts and clowning around!!"
Me: (gritting teeth)
Mind you, this friend is a Java programmer & Mac enthusiast. A serious
engineer-type. He doesn't care for SWT-- doesn't see any need for it,
prefers emacs.
// Ed
