Re: Finding a niche for Tcl

On 2006-11-21, Larry W. Virden <lvirden@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

[snip]

Don't choose a programming language based on how popular it is, unless
you plan on having everyone else do your programming for you. If YOU
plan on programming, then pick a programming language that provides
what you need, in a manner that is comfortable and productive for you.

I agree! I first learned Perl4. I didn't mind it at all. When Perl5 and OOP
appeared, the whole syntax felt cumbersome and un-intuitive *to me*. Before
that I had a go at Turbo Pascal - found it too wordy. Modula2, the same. I
tried C - but I don't think I hung in there long enough. I don't find myself
regretting it though.

So far, Tcl feels really comfortable. Once I rally begin to put it work, I'll
be in a better position to see how it works for me and for the project.

Other people complain because other languages have larger initial
libraries than Tcl. Again, there are many libraries available for Tcl
developers. Yes, you have to download them. When I look at other
langauge environments, I see many examples of libraries that one has to
download for them as well.

I agree! If the libraries *are* freely available, then the issue of "bundling"
them with the interpreter is only one of convenience. It wouldn't hurt if
there was a central repository for these libraries though - like CPAN, e.g.

The real need, in the Tcl community, is positive contributions from the
community. If more community members contribute bug reports,
enhancement reports, code for enhancements, as well as volunteer to
actually get involved in improving Tcl, it will continue to florish.

I agree! It's my understanding that Tcl *has* the "horesepower" to get most
jobs done. We as a community need to publicize that fact in various ways, and
manuever ourselves into the limelight somehow - kick-*** projects;
side-saddling with Ubuntu et al; and, like you say above, have a well-organized
administration. We need to get back into the game!! What do you think?
--
duke
.