TweetFollow Us on Twitter

July 92 - OODL SIG is Now On-Line

OODL SIG is Now On-Line

The following is a copy of a recent announcement sent to all OODL SIG members.

Thanks to Harvey Alcabes for setting up our administrative and Applelink group addresses, and to Steve Strassmann for generously agreeing to maintain the Internet portion of OODL SIG's membership list while the SIG is starting up.

Here is how to send messages to OODL SIG's membership.

FROM THE INTERNET:

To send messages to OODL SIG's Internet membership use:
oodl-sig-in@cambridge.apple.com

To send messages to OODL SIG's Applelink membership use:
oodl-sig@cambridge.apple.com

To send messages to OODL SIG administration use:
OODL.SIG@applelink.apple.com

For add/drop subscription requests use:
oodl-sig-request@cambridge.apple.com

FROM APPLELINK

To send messages to OODL SIG's Internet membership use:
oodl-sig-in@cambridge.apple.com@internet#

To send messages to OODL SIG's Applelink membership use:
oodl.sig$ (note the dollar sign)

To send messages to OODL SIG administration:
oodl.sig (note no dollar sign)

For add/drop subscription requests:
oodl.sig (note no dollar sign)

Watch for notices because these addresses may change.

OODL SIG has been busy this last month. Jeff Stulin has been compiling our membership list and member profiles (over 70 members currently). Kent Sandvik has been designing an electronic SIG newsletter, and Howard Oakley has started an enhanced MCL interface class library project. The SIG will soon be asking for membership help with these and many other projects but first, a little business.

OODL SIG is constructing three "foundation" documents. The first presents OODL SIG's goals, methods, and basic philosophy. The second, its operational procedures for deciding which goals to work for and the methods for achieving them. The third will be a formal (legal?) document describing OODL SIG's organizational structure.

The first document is included below for your review, the second will be sent late next week, the third, well . . . we are in no hurry for the third. Let's enjoy our informality while it lasts.

We would prefer not to "micro manage" the first two documents. They are our ideals about OODL SIG, but reality will dictate what we can do, so they need not be perfect. If you have any major philosophical problem with them, then either present it to the SIG membership, else let it be (or just send a note to the SIG administrative address).

We would like to conclude the commenting period for the first document by June 26th. Once we legitimize the foundation documents (at least the first two) we will be ready for some real work.

Thank you all for your patience while we got our act together. Here is the first foundation document:

Statement

This document describes the definition, purpose, scope, goals, and methods of a new organization hereafter known as OODL-SIG.

Definition

An OODL, Object Oriented Dynamic Language, is any computer programming language which strongly supports both object oriented programming and dynamic runtime variable typing. It is also expected, as a practical matter, that an OODL development system will support quick turn around via incremental compilation and linking. Examples of OODLs are Common Lisp with the Common Lisp Object System (CLOS), Dylan, and Smalltalk.

Comment

We will improve this definition later, let's not have a big discussion about it now.

OODL-SIG purpose

It is not an exaggeration to say that the physical and financial health of our society, as well as the individuals within it, depends, to an increasing extent, on the effectiveness of computer software. Thus, the founders of the OODL-SIG, have a personal as well as professional interest in the improvement of software development technology. We know well what is at stake, and are not satisfied with the current trends in software development.

We believe that the OODL approach to software development can greatly improve the timeliness, cost effectiveness, flexibility, and reliability of software. We recognize that historically, due to performance concerns, it has not been practical to use OODLs for "shrink-wrapped" application delivery. We believe, however, that hardware and compiler technology have advanced to the degree that, contrary to general opinion, OODLs will soon be the best tools for development and delivery of most applications software products.

We form OODL- SIG in order to promote and advance the OODL method of software development. To this goal OODL-SIG will be primarily an evangelical, information-exchange, and education organization. In particular it will: promote the use of OODLs to the general programmer population, assist current OODL users in becoming as productive as possible, assist beginning OODLers in their learning process, and encourage the creation of OODL development environments which can deliver high performance "shrink wrapped" applications.

Scope

The SIG is open to users of all OODLs, and to all OODL development platforms.

Comment

As a practical matter, since our initial membership is Macintosh based, our early efforts will be focused on Macintosh based products. Membership demand will probably change this.

Goals and Methodologies

Below are OODL-SIGs goals and suggested methods which I list in no particular order.

Goal: To promote the use of OODLs to the general programmer population.

Most programmers have seen OODLs only in a scholastic setting and are under the impression that they are "weird", perhaps interesting, but worthless for real world applications. We must change this perception.

Methods

To be effective we must become credible. Here's how:
  • By becoming a community
    We become a community by having an active SIG, by publishing a newsletter, by having meetings, by having the membership participate in group projects, and by having a group address for communications.
  • By the publication of articles
    Education is the way to change how developers think about OODLs. We educate by publication. We publish in Frameworks, in the OODL-SIG newsletter, in Byte magazine, and in any respected publication that we can get a piece about OODLs or about our organization published. We must actively seek out those members of our organization capable of creating accurate, responsible, and interesting articles, and encourage them to publish.
  • By Example
    The best way to convince developers that OODLs are for real is by example; that is by demonstrating real world programs. We must survey our membership for examples of programs that are under active use, collect these in a case book, and promote the existence of these programs.
  • By Creation of a sample program
    The SIG should have a rule that for an OODL to be taken seriously, a sophisticated real world program developed with that OODL, including source code, must be made available to OODL-SIG and its members.
  • By being in the news
    The SIG should actively seek publicity for itself, for OODLs, and for programs developed using OODLs.
  • By creating an "Idealized OODL Environment" description.
    One clever, inexpensive way to change developers perceptions of OODLs would be to create, as a challenge, an "Idealized OODL Environment" document, to which all SIG promoted OODLs would be compared.

This document would say nothing about any particular OODL language. Rather, it would describe things like delivered application performance, user interface development, cross platform availability, turn around time, hardware requirements, documentation quality, etc.

As an example consider MCL. I think that most programmers unacquainted with MCL would be shocked to learn about its fine real world performance, instant turn around, and modest hardware requirements.

The document will also be a good vehicle to let OODL system designers know what is most important to us.

Goal: Encourage the creation of OODL development environments which can deliver high performance "shrink wrapped" applications.

In my opinion there is not yet any OODL that is practical for delivering "shrink wrapped" applications. I would be surprised, however, if there is not at least one within two years.

Methods

We must be vocal in telling OODL manufacturers what we need. To do this we must agree on what we want, and speak out with a unified voice.

As an example consider the responses to the MCL group's call for MCL 2.1 features. If we as a body could agree on a prioritized list of new features, they would probably take us very seriously.

Goal: To assist current OODL users in becoming as productive as possible.

We probably can not improve on the individual technical assistance offered by the MCL group or through MacAppTech$, but we can help with the:

Methods

  • Publication of detailed technical articles
    As an example consider how much benefit could be accomplished by an article on maximizing MCL performance (e.g. declarations, in line defuns, macros etc.).
  • Compilation of technical responses
    The MCL discussion group is great, but once the messages are sent they are history. We need a "technical librarian" who would edit and maintain a list of technical questions and the responses. I do not volunteer.
  • General dissemination of information
    Is there a browser for MCL? I bet the answer is several, but I'll be damned if I know where to get one. OODL-SIG could be a repository for information about things like this.

Goal: To assist beginning OODLers in their learning process.

I think this is the area in which the SIG can have its greatest impact.

Methods

  • Publication of tutorial articles and sample programs.
    Whenever we can, anywhere that we can.
  • Regional OODL introduction seminars.
    It would not be expensive to create a canned "Introduction to OODLs" seminar and to present it, on a regular basis, at various locations world-wide.
  • Creation of an "Introduction to OODLs" document.
    The SIG should create an honest document detailing what OODLs are, what their advantages and disadvantages are, examples of the successful use of OODLs, road maps to leaning various OODL environments, and realistic OODL leering curve estimates. I think this should be a #1 OODL-SIG priority.
 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Top Mobile Game Discounts
Every day, we pick out a curated list of the best mobile discounts on the App Store and post them here. This list won't be comprehensive, but it every game on it is recommended. Feel free to check out the coverage we did on them in the links... | Read more »
Price of Glory unleashes its 1.4 Alpha u...
As much as we all probably dislike Maths as a subject, we do have to hand it to geometry for giving us the good old Hexgrid, home of some of the best strategy games. One such example, Price of Glory, has dropped its 1.4 Alpha update, stocked full... | Read more »
The SLC 2025 kicks off this month to cro...
Ever since the Solo Leveling: Arise Championship 2025 was announced, I have been looking forward to it. The promotional clip they released a month or two back showed crowds going absolutely nuts for the previous competitions, so imagine the... | Read more »
Dive into some early Magicpunk fun as Cr...
Excellent news for fans of steampunk and magic; the Precursor Test for Magicpunk MMORPG Crystal of Atlan opens today. This rather fancy way of saying beta test will remain open until March 5th and is available for PC - boo - and Android devices -... | Read more »
Prepare to get your mind melted as Evang...
If you are a fan of sci-fi shooters and incredibly weird, mind-bending anime series, then you are in for a treat, as Goddess of Victory: Nikke is gearing up for its second collaboration with Evangelion. We were also treated to an upcoming... | Read more »
Square Enix gives with one hand and slap...
We have something of a mixed bag coming over from Square Enix HQ today. Two of their mobile games are revelling in life with new events keeping them alive, whilst another has been thrown onto the ever-growing discard pile Square is building. I... | Read more »
Let the world burn as you have some fest...
It is time to leave the world burning once again as you take a much-needed break from that whole “hero” lark and enjoy some celebrations in Genshin Impact. Version 5.4, Moonlight Amidst Dreams, will see you in Inazuma to attend the Mikawa Flower... | Read more »
Full Moon Over the Abyssal Sea lands on...
Aether Gazer has announced its latest major update, and it is one of the loveliest event names I have ever heard. Full Moon Over the Abyssal Sea is an amazing name, and it comes loaded with two side stories, a new S-grade Modifier, and some fancy... | Read more »
Open your own eatery for all the forest...
Very important question; when you read the title Zoo Restaurant, do you also immediately think of running a restaurant in which you cook Zoo animals as the course? I will just assume yes. Anyway, come June 23rd we will all be able to start up our... | Read more »
Crystal of Atlan opens registration for...
Nuverse was prominently featured in the last month for all the wrong reasons with the USA TikTok debacle, but now it is putting all that behind it and preparing for the Crystal of Atlan beta test. Taking place between February 18th and March 5th,... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

AT&T is offering a 65% discount on the ne...
AT&T is offering the new iPhone 16e for up to 65% off their monthly finance fee with 36-months of service. No trade-in is required. Discount is applied via monthly bill credits over the 36 month... Read more
Use this code to get a free iPhone 13 at Visi...
For a limited time, use code SWEETDEAL to get a free 128GB iPhone 13 Visible, Verizon’s low-cost wireless cell service, Visible. Deal is valid when you purchase the Visible+ annual plan. Free... Read more
M4 Mac minis on sale for $50-$80 off MSRP at...
B&H Photo has M4 Mac minis in stock and on sale right now for $50 to $80 off Apple’s MSRP, each including free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: – M4 Mac mini (16GB/256GB): $549, $50 off... Read more
Buy an iPhone 16 at Boost Mobile and get one...
Boost Mobile, an MVNO using AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks, is offering one year of free Unlimited service with the purchase of any iPhone 16. Purchase the iPhone at standard MSRP, and then choose... Read more
Get an iPhone 15 for only $299 at Boost Mobil...
Boost Mobile, an MVNO using AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks, is offering the 128GB iPhone 15 for $299.99 including service with their Unlimited Premium plan (50GB of premium data, $60/month), or $20... Read more
Unreal Mobile is offering $100 off any new iP...
Unreal Mobile, an MVNO using AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks, is offering a $100 discount on any new iPhone with service. This includes new iPhone 16 models as well as iPhone 15, 14, 13, and SE... Read more
Apple drops prices on clearance iPhone 14 mod...
With today’s introduction of the new iPhone 16e, Apple has discontinued the iPhone 14, 14 Pro, and SE. In response, Apple has dropped prices on unlocked, Certified Refurbished, iPhone 14 models to a... Read more
B&H has 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros on sa...
B&H Photo is offering a $360-$410 discount on new 16-inch MacBook Pros with M4 Max CPUs right now. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: – 16″ M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/... Read more
Amazon is offering a $100 discount on the M4...
Amazon has the M4 Pro Mac mini discounted $100 off MSRP right now. Shipping is free. Their price is the lowest currently available for this popular mini: – Mac mini M4 Pro (24GB/512GB): $1299, $100... Read more
B&H continues to offer $150-$220 discount...
B&H Photo has 14-inch M4 MacBook Pros on sale for $150-$220 off MSRP. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: – 14″ M4 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB): $1449, $150 off MSRP – 14″ M4... Read more

Jobs Board

All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.