|
On 8 Mar 2001, at 17:16, Rob Bowes wrote:
> At 01:40 PM 3/8/01 -0500, you wrote:
> >Be really nice, if they just came out with a native version for linux
> >(HINT HINT!). As is, I normally use it under VMWare->Win98.
>
> It would be WAY too much work for the small number of users that would
> purchase it. A Mac version would definitely come out before a Linux
> version, and there still isn't enough justification for a Mac version.
> Besides, most folks can already use one of the emulators, so most
> Linux users don't NEED a native version (it would merely be a
> convenience).
>
Well, one, its not a small number of users anymore... Linux is the
fastest growing piece of software on the planet. Its slated to pass
windows for desktop PCs in like 8 years. MS is starting to worry, but
wont admit it publicly.
Also, is it a convenience to require that the person pay extra for a
OS that will be used basicly for one program? (Granted most linux
users still run windows for games, but thats not the point).
> >Assuming the program is written in Visual Basic, the programmers
> >might want to check out the GB project, it complies and runs VB code
> >under linux.
>
> AB is written entirely in C/C++. It's almost 200,000 lines of code,
> including the Construction Kit tools. That's a LOT to port.
>
Depending on the level of ANSI compatiblity, it could be, as simple
as loading it up and recompling. Assuming your not using MSVC, most
other compliers are about 90% ansi complient. It would not be the
huge chore you think. I have translated larger programs from windows
to Linux, and am working on a few others.
Also Borland and others have compatible libraries under linux, to
make porting even easier. If you dont have a linux box, I would sit
down install it on a spare system, (takes an hour for a basic
install, ignoring sound/zips/burners/high powered video) gcc/g++ is
installed pretty much by default. YOu might just give it go one after
noon when your bombed out on writing code. Ask I will snail mail you
a copy of RedHat, (Yes its legal) just ask me off list.
I happen to be a memeber of a LUG (Canton Linux Users Group), and if
you have some other problems that I cannot answer myself. I am about
90% sure I can get the answers with hours or overnight. We have some
heavy hitters in our little group, profession programmers, and
sysadmins (And a few web celebs as well).
BTW, ONce you port a version to Linux, your done, it will only
require a recomplie to run under the many flavors and platforms that
linux runs under, including: Mac, Intel, Sparc, most modern
mainframes, and even the amiga. Oh yea, the commadore 64/128!
Try that with any other operating system....
So its worth the time, and you might see your sales grow even faster,
if you took a weekend and gave it a shot.
Course you welcome to ignore me, and in five years I promise not to
look you up and say I told you so.... I will just sit back and smile.
Fallenhunter
"They know you have the information they want, question is when will they find you."
Overheard at a bar in the Corbia sector.
|