At 3:18 PM -0400 9/4/01, Tony Gravett wrote:
>I am sorry, Geoff, but this "PS" begs the question: why not create a
>comparison chart that helps potential new customers understand the "strong
>suits" of Rev in comparision with, say, five immediate apparent rivals? Or
>is Rev "too different" to take this approach?
>
>For me, for instance, delivering self-contained, stable executables
>simultaneously for Mac and Win is the common priority of evaluating RB and
>Rev equally -- and developing these apps on a Mac is preferable but not
>essential.
I haven't done extensive testing of RB's PC delivery capabilities, but I do know that
there are several people on the RB list who, while continuing to use and support RB,
still say that with version 3.5 PC support is still not functional for them.
Obviously, I don't know their needs or skills. But RB has claimed PC support since
version 2.
I think something like a comparison chart is already underway. Out of curiosity, what
would you consider to be "five immediate apparent rivals?" Also, what would you
consider to be the important features to be evaluated for such a chart?
One way to make a comparison between two environments clear is to think of a very
simple project (no more than a few hours' worth of effort) and create it in both
environments. I agree, it's very likely you will be able to get the job done in both,
but the end result is likely to be very different, nonetheless. The differences, and
the experience you had in both environments, will (IMHO) be significant.
regards,
Geoff
PS (yes, I know, another one :-) in the case of REALbasic, here are a few major
differences (as I see it):
REALbasic Advantages:
Stronger Mac integration (Balloon Help, drag and drop)
Stronger database support
Sprite surface
Unlimited Undos
Visual Basic similarity (imports VB forms and modules)
Builds for OS X
Development environment is on version 3 -- many rough edges are now smooth
Lower entry point if you don't want databases or Windows
More excitement (constant flow of beta releases)
Revolution strengths
Linux and Unix support
Better cross-platform support (standalones run better on Windows)
Development environment runs everywhere: no remote debugging
More controls for a richer development environment
More events for greater control over user experience
Transcript vs. BASIC
Open multiple projects at once
Debug live code as it runs
Runtime variable typing (easier for the user)
Dynamic code compilation ("Do" command, change scripts at runtime)
Better application graphic support
More powerful command set
More stable development program (Revolution's)
