Working Together (was: re: newbie question (...)) [LONG]

R. A. Harmon harmonra at webname.com
Wed Jul 14 14:26:30 UTC 1999


At 01:45 PM 7/13/99 -0700, Stephen Pope wrote:
[snip]
>If we have extra effort to invest, I'd vote that we try to move Squeak
>more in the direction of a small runtime with loadable packages (as has
>been discussed ad nauseum already in these pages).

I second the above.

I also think the idea of a STABLE and a CURRENT release would be extremely
useful.  Right now I need the STABLE for what I'm doing and I think newbies
to Squeak would absolutely require it.  It won't be long before the
adventurous ones would want to leap into the fray with both feet and get the
CURRENT.

Using both ideas, Squeak Central could then do a release as they do now with
the addition of file consisting of a packages-installation script to file in
the packages when the new Squeak is first started.  If one didn't want
everything, one could then edit the installation script to file in only the
wanted packages.

[snip]
>It would be nice if there were a current "catalog" of file-ins,
>packages, etc. such as the (partially up-to-date) swiki pages for
>listing tools, applications, work-in-progress, etc.
[snip]

How about a site where proposed enhancements could be up-loaded?  A
directory in the UIUC Smalltalk archive could serve this purpose.  When one
uploads to it there is already a facility to add comments for the up-loaded
file.  This seems like a good place to state the case for adding it and
other appropriate information about it.

I think this would simplify the process of submitting enhancements.  It would: 

        Relieve Squeak Central from having to capture them off the list.
        Relieve the enhancer from having to specifically label the email.
        Reduce the lost enhancements.
        Provide a central location for folks to check if an enhancement
                has already been done.
        Provide a place for comments on the proposed enhancement as the
                Smalltalk archive already has a feedback facility.
        Reduce the amount of stuff that comes down the pipe on the mailing list.

Those enhancements that are accepted might be moved to a incorporated
sub-directory.

I also think a mechanism for "voting" on enhancements would be extremely
useful.  It would give everybody an idea of how much something is wanted,
and would presumably make Squeak better faster through the "invisible hand"
that would produce the greatest good for the greatest number.

Keep Squeaking!

--
Richard A. Harmon          "The only good zombie is a dead zombie"
harmonra at webname.com           E. G. McCarthy





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