Re: [Help-smalltalk] Hello list

[Paolo Bonzini]

On 05/20/2010 10:18 AM, Marc Hanisch wrote:
> > In GNU Smalltalk, the image is used mostly as a cache of preloaded
> > packages.  It allows very fast startup because all the code is already
> > compiled and converted to objects (instances of Class, CompiledMethod,
> > etc.).  See also
> >
> >     http://smalltalk.gnu.org/faq/37
> >
> > which expands a bit on this topic.
>
> I'm currently editing my class files with an editor. Implies the use
> of images, that I have to edit my classes inside of gst? Or can I mix
> both approaches?

People who edit their classes inside GST will have to answer. :-)

But yes, you can in general mix both approaches.  The most common way is 
to make an image with some packages preloaded (e.g. Seaside or Iliad) 
and then you load your code into it.  That's much faster than waiting 
for GST to reload code from the entire web framework (and dependent 
packages) everytime.

> > > And to be honestly, the GNU Smalltalk documentation is not the best
> > > and clearly one...
> >
> > What did you find confusing, exactly?
>
> The users guide is somewhat undidactic. There are no words about the
> differences between the standard and GNU Smalltalk (for example the
> braces in methods, the different initialisation of instance and class
> variables (instanceVariableNames, classVariableNames etc)) in the
> introduction. This makes it hard for new users :-)

Thanks.  The tutorial is supposed to be a bit more complete about that, 
but it's not optimal (and a cross-reference would help).

Paolo