Plus, as with anything, it is a trickle up effect. Perl was not embraced by the
CEO's, it was embraced by their employees.  Now it ~is~ a standard enforced
from the top because it has been "proven" to do the job.

(I won't comment on Java...that has a different "acceptance" track hehe)

There is also the question of how long "corporate America" has as "the
standard".  No more than a few decades, perhaps, since it is strongly tied to a
centralized object model in a world that is increasingly embracing
decentralization.  Again this is a grass roots pehnomenon and not one enforced
by any kind of instituional authority.

The adoption of programming models is as much a social issue as a techinical
one.  Programs are, after all, a form of interpersonal communication, and the
languages are building blocks.

Just some thoughts.

Warm regards,

Kent Starr
elderburn / mindspring.com




On Sat, 09 Dec 2000, you wrote:

> Developers and their organizations all over the world are looking for
> the same thing: a way to produce applications that is simple,
> reliable, repeatable, and enjoyable. Different folks have differing
> ideas on ways of doing this.
> 
> For many developers, Ruby resonates with the way they think. Unlike
> many other languages, Ruby allows them to express themselves more
> directly, and more concisely. Shortening the distance from thought to
> code is a key component in achieving a rapid, accurate development
> flow.
> 
> However, this is truly a personal thing. Some people think most
> clearly using Smalltalk, or Lisp, or Java, or C++. If they've given
> Ruby an honest try, and found that it doesn't help them, that I
> personally appreciate their effort and wish them well.
> 
> I don't think the Ruby community is out to conquer corporate
> America. I'd guess we're here because Ruby satisfies each of our
> personal needs for a better language. We're welcoming new developers
> all the time. But it remains and individual thing.
> 
> 
> Regards
> 
> 
> Dave