[REBOL] Runtimes as DLLs
From: rebol:techscribe at: 14-Nov-2000 11:36
Hi,
I think many people on this list would appreciate the ability to embed
REBOL in their applications. Perhaps even more so than the current runtime
offer. I for one would. Perhaps I'm mistaken.
It's far more convenient to embed the REBOL interpreter in a multi-megabyte
Windows application, then having to write a complete application, with GUI
interface and stuff as a dll to be called by the REBOL runtime. Add to this
the fact that REBOL runtime's access to DLLs is somewhat limited (no
callback functions!).
All the REBOL interpreter would have to do is to expose console input and
console output (strings passed to the interpreter and strings received from
the interpret) as DLL functions, plus provide the existing runtime ability
of code hiding. Everything else could be handled by REBOL scripts in
combination with the application's function. (While I'm dreaming, let me
add that it'd be nice to also have static or dynamically linked libraries
for Unix platforms.)
To sweeten the deal, I think you would see sales for DLL Runtime licenses
and /Command go up significantly. Would it be a lot of work for you guys
(at REBOL) to deploy DLL versions of the runtime (under the same license?).
I also think it would be a good idea to have a free license agreement for
freeware applications. IMHO REBOL would quickly become the prime scripting
interface for many applications that require scripting. More REBOL savvy
persons can only increas RTs strategical market importance and sales.
Opinions?
Elan
