[squeak-dev] The solution of (Was: Creating an image from first
principles)
tim Rowledge
tim at rowledge.org
Thu Aug 7 23:51:45 UTC 2008
On 7-Aug-08, at 10:25 AM, K. K. Subramaniam wrote:
> On Thursday 07 Aug 2008 8:45:12 pm tim Rowledge wrote:
>> On 7-Aug-08, at 5:18 AM, K. K. Subramaniam wrote:
>>> I think the original question about creating an image from first
>>> principles
>>> was about transmutation, not cloning.
>>
>> The SystemTracer can easily create new images from specs rather than
>> 'merely cloning' an existing image.
> SystemTracer is a Smalltalk utility. So it does not qualify as a
> transmutation
> tool.
What? Don't be silly.
> The quest is to bootstrap a Smalltalk system (VM and image) from more
> basic primitives. We know it is possible for the VM, but is it
> possible for
> the image too?
Why? Who cares what tool is used other than to want the best one for
the job? If there is actually anyone that claims that you have to
generate an image solely by use of unix commandline utilities in order
for it to be 'proper' then screw'em. They're mental.
>
>
>>> How does one create a Smalltalk
>>> environment (i.e. an image) starting with an environment that has
>>> only
>>> imperative programming tools (e.g. C/C++, Forth etc.)? What is
>>> sought is a
>>> process that can be replicated by anyone proficient in the
>>> imperative
>>> environment.
>>
>> Why waste time using crappy tools...
> Mmm.. Why do the tools and utilities required to build a VM, garbage
> collector, primitives and plugins suddenly become "crappy" when
> building an
> initial image?
They don't. They're crappy to begin with. I've spent decades fighting
with C compilers and debuggers etc etc etc and anyone that claims
they're good is clearly either totally inexperienced with using them
or deluded.
tim
--
tim Rowledge; tim at rowledge.org; http://www.rowledge.org/tim
ASCII to ASCII, DOS to DOS.
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