Curt Hibbs wrote:
> The One-Click Ruby Installer for Windows is at a cross-roads. The C++
> compiler situation on Windows has become a complete mess because of 
> subtle
> incompatibilities and has, consequently, become a big headache for me and
> extension writers.
>
> I need to decide whether future versions of the One-Click Installer are
> built with MinGW or MS VC2005 Express (both compilers are free). My 
> bias has
> been to go with VC2005 on the theory that the MS compiler will always 
> be the
> most compatible with Windows, itself.
>
> However, Ara Howard makes a case (see below) for MinGW, so I want to 
> have a
> public discussion of the pros and cons of each path (please don't suggest
> cygwin, it snot an option).
>
> I'd like to ask that only those who have actual experience compiling
> extensions for Ruby respond and that we keep the discussion to the 
> pros and
> cons of choosing MinGW or VC2005. I need to fully understand the
> implications before choosing a path.
Is cross-compiling/linking with GCC on a GNU platform a viable third 
option? MinGW tends to lag "real" GCC. Given that you plan a Linux 
release of the One-Click Ruby Installer, could you save yourself some 
hassles with a cross-builder?