RE: Mono 2.0: .NET goes non-Windows
Good article. The Common Language Framework is the first successful
implementation of a cross-language core framework (ala NextStep). Mono
takes this cross-platform. Miguel de Icaza should get alot of credit for this -
because he's leveling the playing field on platforms alien to Microsoft-based
developers. That's a boon to Linux, BSD, Mac OS X, etc. Let me address the
two comments.
What does this have to do with interpreted languages? If you know much about
.NET, Mono, or Java - you should know that these runtimes are designed to
optimize code at runtime. Not only that, but when it's necessary, the code can
be compiled natively using Java Hotspot and while the application/library is
being installed in .NET (see install-time compilation).
As for the bloatware comment - you really should use the platforms in complex
enterprise environments/projects before you make such judgements. C is great
for writing high-performance code that is executed often - or perhaps to
initialize a process, but practically speaking there's almost nobody left
exclusively using C for enterprise application development. And if I may say
so, I believe that if people spent the time learning and optimizing existing code
(regardless of the language) - you will inevitably get more for your money.
Finally - Microsoft has given Novell (and Novell customers) a guarantee that
they are protected from any patent claims. So I would take your comment
about Mono being illegal with a grain of salt.
