why Unix?

[Andrei Alexandrescu]

Ralf Schneider wrote:
>> If I were to quickly give the most significant bit of my opinion, that 
>> would be this: Unix is for programmers and Windows is for end users. 
>> As such, even though both ultimately accomplish the task of putting a 
>> computer's resources at your disposal, their foci are different. 
>> You're a programmer. So the notion that there is an operating system 
>> catering to your needs may warrant a closer look.
> 
> Well,
> 
> to have at least one different opinion:
> 
> I'm playing around with Linux since the first year when Linus released 
> the source code. I have hacked the kernel for fun.
> I'm usix AIX, HP-UX, Red Hat, Solaris and Windows at work as a programmer.
> 
> And my opinion is: *NIX sucks. Linux was great comapred to DOS and 
> Windows 3.11. But since Windows NT4.0 - Linux (POSIX) just seems 
> outdated. Quality and stability of APIs, general Architecture, 
> documentation, etc.
> 
> I prefer Windows any time.
> 
> I hate emacs and vi. The command line tools are OK, but nothing compared 
> to a modern IDE with a stable debugger and analysis tools like "Source 
> Insight". Everything on Unix feels like it was 20 years ago. Nothing 
> seems to change, the old poor tools. No progress, just stagnation. Oh I 
> forgot to mention "Shell scripts!" - UAHHHHH! Ever tried python or ruby?
> I seriously think Unix fetishists are masochists... Yes I can programm 
> in vi and compile on the command line - if necessary. But I expect more 
> after 20 years of tools development!!!
> 
> To be fair: I think AIX and HP-UX are really rock solid! But I would 
> never use a server os as a desktop os!
> 
> What I want from an OS as a progammer: Performance! High responsive GUI. 
> Powerfull professional tools, like a modern IDE. Stable APIs. Good 
> documentation.
> 
> Windows can deliver.
> 
> I have never touched OSX. So I don't know.
> 
> Linux as a desktop is a kindergarten of wannabe design archtiects: 
> Wobbling windows, KDE disaster, permanent changing APIs, slow 
> performance (ever compared Eclipse on Windows and Linux?).
> 
> Linux as a server: Is OK. I mean it's free! I don't expect the same 
> reliability as AIX...
> 
> - Ralf

Well at least you've got to make up your mind. It's amazing how you 
mention instability in three instances and stagnation in two instances, 
without ever noticing the irony. What's happening?


Andrei