Linux Application Development

[Eric Richardson]

Tom Bradford wrote:
> 
> Linux wrote:
> > I am wondering about a development language that would allow me to create
> > something like a Visual Basic form so I can develop applications on Linux
> > using MySql for the data server.  I think I like PHP and Python looks doable
> > however it is hard to tell if I can create GUI front-end.  I know it is
> > possible to do application development in PERL however I find Perl to be an
> > ugly language (sorry).  I don't think Java is the answer either.
> 
> Why isn't Java the answer? 

My impression is that Java is sort of half way in the open source
community and half way out. The SCSL is just that way and Sun has some
pretty big claws into Java. In Debian terms, even GPLed Java code is
contrib as you can't find a clean room VM and class library(Open Source)
at least for versions 1.2/1.3.

Other than that I'd say it's pretty damn good while the GUI stuff is
somewhat less than that depending on whom you talk to. Certainly good if
you want a programming job.

FWIW,
Eric