I agree with Graeme. There are professional developers out here who want
a decent cross platform product and who don't like the
C/++/#/Java/.net/etcetcetc because of various reasons. My own reasons
are that I find C(like) languages to be semantically weak and
encouraging of bad programmer behaviour. I don't have time for dealing
with that sort of inefficiency, so I need a more professional option in
a language. Pascal(etc) provides that, and since Delphi isn't really
broadly multiplatform (even though it is a terrific piece of work in
it's own right), I am left in a pickle... or at least, I would be,
except that FPC has provided the solution. So all these folks can have
their scathing opinions of it. Indeed, this list, and all Pascal lists
seem to be a place where people like to rock up an try to justify their
own attractions to C(like) languages. I often wonder whom they are
trying to convince, since the folks on a list like this one have
probably already asked themselves those questions and moved on in favour
of Pascal(like) languages.
Conversely, you don't often see Pascal people baiting list members on C
language lists (not that I subscribe to too many of those - although I
am familiar with C(et al) and do it use from time to time (horses for
courses).
Anyway. I would like to say the all supporters of the FPC community -
good stuff! Thank you thank you thank you. I have endless time and
respect for you all. Keep it up! I don't have time for arguing the toss
over C(like) languages and the claims of C-like superiority. I just need
to get the job done and I know the right platform for it. Simple really.
Industrial requirements require an industrial solution, and that's where
we arrive at Pascal. Thanks again to you all for a great project!
Cheers,
Mark.
Graeme Geldenhuys wrote:
On 5/12/07, Bisma Jayadi <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Nicely put. ;) I've found it has good points on some arguments. It's
good to be
considered. :)
Everybody is entitled to their opinion. I am allowed mine and
totally disagree with his statement about GUI's not being used on any
other platform than Windows. And that FPC and Lazarus cannot be used
for decent GUI applications.
Our development team at Master Maths are busy rewritting our 3rd major
version of our flagship product using FPC and Lazarus. Been working on
it for over 1.5 years now and it isn't a small 'toy' project! Also it
has to be cross platform (Linux and Windows) so Delphi could not be
used! Our product consists of 4 applications all GUI based, talking
to a backend Firebird RDMS. The product is a CBT system with Centre
Admin side and Accounting module and the content it displays to
learners are being designed using Adobe (Macromedia) Flash and has a
size of around 7+Gig covering school grades from 1 though 12. We also
have authors busy with the Science modules now.
Our product is being used by 200+ franchisees and a few schools. Our
current v2 system can only run on Windows and considering that every
centre has 25+ computers, that's a lot of Micro$oft tax that they have
to pay. Also they need a MS server license which adds a lot more to
the cost.
We are in the process of switching all those 200+ centres to Linux
which will give them a significant money saving. No more costs for
server software, licensing, upgrades, etc... All this made possible
by using FPC and Lazarus - and all GUI based applications.
Our product can also be used as a 'distance learning' product, where
students can purchase a Maths Grade CD/DVD licensed for 1 year. They
can then use that CD at home, be it on a Windows or Linux PC. Again a
GUI only product. Mouse clicks are easier that command line
interfaces!
We are just one such South African company - there are many more.
South African is a big sponsor of Open Source software and the Linux
platform.
Just my 2c worth...
Regards,
- Graeme -
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