Proposed Topic: GUI desktop application development toolkits/frameworks on Linux
Reasoning: I think the case for Linux on the server has been well made. On the other hand, mainstream Linux usage on the desktop is still an elusive goal. For example, I am just now transitioning to a Linux desktop at work, though I have been using it at home exclusively for about 2 years.
It seems that the two main classses of applications that allows Windows to persist as the 'only' choice for many people (especially small-business users) are: 1. third-party, client-side applications, and 2. games. For now, I'll just focusing on the first of these issues.
Many times the problem is, "but I need application x, which only runs on windows". Many times the solution is, "well, it will (mostly/probably) run under wine/winex/crossover office, etc." But, then where does that leave future development? Develop on Windows, run on wine?
Anyway, it's been a good srategy for me to be able to transition to Linux by developing in a cross-platform language (in my case, Java) wherever possible. I know Swing/AWT isn't the fastest performing toolkit out there compared to QT/gtk/wxWindows, but it's quick to develop in and usually performs 'good enough'. So if anybody's interested in learning a little Java, I'd be willing to do a little presentation on that.
Also, if anyone does desktop programming in any of the other open/free/cross-platform toolkits and would be willing to do a short presentation, let me know!
Thanks,
see you next week!
-- David Davis
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