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[REBOL] Re: [nativeUI] Re: What's native?

From: greggirwin::mindspring::com at: 22-Jun-2004 12:55

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.)? Just some thoughts from my perspective: * It's open * It's free * It's pretty well documented * It allows other tools to be integrated and so gains the support of people who use those other tools (e.g. Ant) * People get the benefit of $40M in R&D from the initial consortium of sponsors, and the fact that they supported it visibly. * It targeted something lots of people were already using--Java-- where comparable tools can cost many thousands of dollars. * Those comparable tools existed, so people had something to compare against. Using Eclipse does not require a paradigm shift (or the deep thinking that said shifts often require). * It's got rich functionality based on current perceived needs for common business needs, leveraging a number of Java support libraries (e.g. XML parser); and people don't seem to care that the price for that is a ~70M download. In comparison with REBOL, again my perspective, I'd say the target audiences are also quite different; Eclipse isn't meant to be used by mere mortals . So, while we absolutely have to look at commercial apps and professional developers, let's not forget the people who just want to write little programs for themselves, their school, their business, or just for fun. i.e. don't let native UI support make it harder to use REBOL. -- Gregg