Nathan wrote:
> When searching around for languages, I ran across Python, which seemed
> like it would do everything I need, in combination with the wx widget
> library.  Then I noticed some people promulgating this "Ruby"
> language.  I'd never heard of it, but I was intrigued.  Particularly
> because they all seemed to have this particular glassy-eyed zeal that I
> usually associate with Amiga or BeOS users.  Now, I've been an Amiga and
> BeOS user back in their heyday and I know that their zeal is
> ABSOLUTELY 100% JUSTIFIED.  Those systems were simply a JOY to use,
> which is a selling point that seems to elude most computer people, but
> is important to me.  If I can experience some measure of joy while
> learning a new language and porting my project to it, then that is a
> very big selling point indeed.

With that kind of attitude, I'm sure you'll benefit from learning the
language, whether or not you actually use it for your project.  It is
intended to be a joy to use, and it's quite successful.

The point is, you can get a good overview of the language in a short time.
 Check out http://phrogz.net/ProgrammingRuby.

None of this means, of course, that I think your project-specific
questions are unimportant :)

> However, if Ruby doesn't actually do what I need, then I'll have to find
> another language to work with.  Here are the concerns I have:
>
> * This is going to be commercial software, and I do NOT intend to give
> away the source code.  Is their a way that Ruby programs can be
> securely compiled so that the source code is inaccessible?

Not that I know of.  Does Python have a way?  If so, the idea might be
transferrable as they are similar languages.

> * For that matter, is there a way that Ruby programs can be compiled as
> binary executables?  On Windows, Linux, and Mac?

On Windows, yes (google for exerb).  But that doesn't actually compile the
code; it just bundles the interpreter and the source into an .exe.  I
doubt this is an effective way to hide source.

On the other platforms, I don't think so.

> * I will be using a shareware-validation protocol not unlike
> http://www.shareit.com. Will Ruby be compatible with this?

Sorry, no idea.

> * If I am porting the entire program to Ruby, rather than just using it
> as a frontend to my standalone Matlab programs, are there good Fast
> Fourier Transform libraries for Ruby?

Again, I don't know.  But you can look for one on
http://raa-ruby-lang.org.  Some people here know a fair bit about
scientific calculations with Ruby, I think.

> If anyone can help me answer these questions, I'd be most
> appreciative.

Good luck,
Gavin