James Tauber's Blog 2004/08/01
Great Hackers, Python, Java, Eclipse and Chandler
In his latest essay, Great Hackers, Paul Graham suggests that one mark of a great programmer is that, given the choice, they'll program in Python rather than Java. He points out that Google requires Python experience, even when hiring for Java positions, because it attracts better candidates.
Almost all of my "recreational" programming over the last five years has been in Python. I'm not saying that makes me one of Graham's Great Hackers, but it is certainly the case that, given the choice, I write in Python and not in Java. In fact, the only time I write in Java outside of work is when I'm writing plugins for Eclipse. The Eclipse platform is seductive enough that it keeps me writing GUI apps in Java, even when I have the choice.
The implication is, though, that if there were a Python equivalent of Eclipse (the platform, not just the IDE), I could cease to write in Java all together whenever I had the choice.
The first step would be getting something like wxPython to the level of SWT+JFace. Next would be a standard plugin framework.
The last couple of months I've wondered if Chandler might be the best avenue to achieve this. It already has a pluggable "parcel" framework and if it is going to compete as a PIM, it's going to have to drive wxPython to the level of SWT+JFace.
I still stand by my prediction about Eclipse being the next Emacs but I'd love to see a Python equivalent, whether it's Chandler or not.
by jtauber : Created on Aug. 1, 2004 : Last modified Feb. 8, 2005 : (permalink)
DOAP and the next Advogato
I've recently been reading about Edd Dumbill's Description of a Project (DOAP) project.
Machine readable descriptions of software projects is something I've dabbled in since 1998 when I started XMLSOFTWARE.COM. Around that time I worked a little bit with Lars Marius Garshol's XML Software Autoupdate (XSA). Microsoft had Open Software Description (OSD), although OSD was more designed for describing component dependencies whereas XSA was designed for software directories to be able to poll to get updates from developers (a use-case DOAP would be suited to as well).
Given that a lot of this site is about open source software projects of mine, I'll probably add DOAP support to Leonardo at some stage, probably around the same time I add FOAF support. But I have the same questions about the relationship between DOAP and, say, Freshmeat or Advogato as I do between FOAF and the Orkuts and Linkedins of the world. Namely: how can I use my own website as the authoritative source of my own FOAF and DOAP information while at the same time that information being available in directories for searching, rating, etc.
The RDF-nature of both FOAF and DOAP means that what is really needed is a general mechanism that does this for any RDF, although FOAF and DOAP specific support would make a great start.
I'm thinking for starters of a version of Advogato where you just specific the URI for your FOAF, DOAP and RSS.
by jtauber : Created on Aug. 1, 2004 : Last modified Feb. 8, 2005 : (permalink)