Coming Attractions

[Paul D. Anderson]

Jason House Wrote:

> What happens when #3 turns up an inconsistency in the language spec after #1 and #2 have occurred? It'd be a real shame to have to wait another 2-3 years for it to be corrected in a stable DMD!
> 
> If #4 hits issues, #1 may block resolution of those issues.
> 
> #6 won't occur after #1 either. If history serves, a "stable D" translates to no Phobos enhancements. The world may require a D2 Tango that replaces Phobos once again.
> 
> 
> I honestly believe that we have to start the D2 integration now in order to ensure changes to #1 and #2 occur. If we wait and issues crop up, there are only two possible outcomes:
> • Having permanently bad features
> • A mismatch between Andrei's book and the D2 spec.
> 
>    

I agree with you on all but the point about #6. I'll admit that that has been the case but I don't see it as defining futue behavior. Especially if the changes come from other than Walter/Andre.

But your point is well taken. We definitely want to catch breaking changes before the freeze. I was making the (Pollyannaish? Panglossian?) foolish assumption that D2 would be beyond reproach. Nu-huh.

Paul
> 
> Paul D. Anderson Wrote:
> 
> > A. What I'm looking forward to in the near future:
> > 
> > 1) D2 will be frozen.
> > 2) Andre's book will come out.
> > 
> > B. What I'm hopeful for, and really expect to see fairly soon thereafter:
> > 
> > 3) A complete, consistent D language specification (for D1 and D2).
> > 4) D2 support for many of the popular tools and libraries out there, especially Tango and descent.
> > 5) Continued development of D compilers alongside DMD: LLDC, GDC, dil, etc.
> > 6) Expansion of Phobos with more contributions from others besides Walter and Andre.
> > 7) Improvements in the D toolchain, as have been discussed here at some length:
> > 
> > Quoting Frank Rundell:
> > "If it wants to compete with the 'big boys' it needs an IDE, a GUI library that can compile and work, a debugger that understands D, a proper linker, packaged releases for linux, an installer for Windows, etc."
> > 
> > C. What I'd like to see in the longer run:
> > 
> > 8) A solid suite of D tools, written in D. 
> > 
> > D. The good news is that none of these except 1) and 2) depend on Walter or Andre. All they need is a some committed effort from a group of intelligent, knowledgeable, capable, interested supporters. Hmmm......
> > 
> > E. I was going to add some helpful advice (i.e. ranting) about working together and taking the bull by the horns and running it up the flagpole to see if the cat licks it up, etc. but I'll refrain. I certainly don't want to denigrate all the effort that has been made -- I just want to see more of it! :)
> > 
> > F. Note that I've identified all my comments by helpful numbers and letters so you can reply:
> > 
> > "Gee, Paul, I thought point B4 was particularly enlightening. Can I send you some money?"
> > 
> > Paul
> > 
>