Re: Release schedule

[Tim Harrison]

Nicola Pero wrote:

> But realistically, Apple compatibility is a great boost for GNUstep.  

Only if the underlying system is stable, though.  Compatibility is only 
good if applications function properly.

> Even if we don't invest much effort in tracking the latest Apple changes,
> we must recognize that being Apple compatible makes GNUstep a lot more
> interesting and attractive.

I think having a stable system, whose API doesn't change between minor 
releases, in which application developers can be confident, makes 
GNUstep a lot more interesting and attractive.

> So, I'd suggest to keep balanced when writing such statements of general
> principle - while developing a superior free product is our main
> objective, being compatible with Apple can be a strategical win and help
> us to reach our main objective by making our free product look more
> attractive in real-world terms, and enlarging our user (and contributor)
> base.

Once again, I don't think compatibility with Apple will be/is the 
attraction for real world application.  Not that I claim to know 
everything about everything, nor have I been developing for 20 years or 
anything (in fact, I'm a terrible coder :)), but from my experience, if 
the API is mature, stable, well thought out, and extensible, the moving 
target nature of newer technologies tends to be its own downfall.

I think the major reason that GNUstep doesn't have the large amount of 
developers one might hope for is lack of stability.  Stability would 
involve having a clear and attainable goal, in my opinion, and not 
trying to follow something that we have no control over, or access to, 
in a meaningful way.

--

Tim Harrison
address@hidden
http://www.linuxstep.org/