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?  JDBC drivers are available for just about
> every available relational database, including MySQL.  JBuilder 4 has an
> excellent form design tool, and  the Foundation is free (beer) and is
> available for several platforms (Linux, Solaris, Windows).  The Java 2
> SDK 1.3 for Linux is now very stable.  
> 
Uhmmm because Java sucks. Don't get me wrong its pretty much been my 
bread and butter for the last year or so. But I would never suggest it 
for the uses that were brought up. First while Java's performance has in 
fact been getting better and better The GUI (read awt / swing). Is still 
very very slow and bloated. The overhead you have to deal with to get 
JDBC up and running is simply too huge for a simple Client / Server 
application. Now if the app was enterprise wide, Needed to be web / 
wirless enable, or needed a big team to work on it. I might suggest 
Java. Otherwise Glade, python, or ruby are all better answers.

Carl Parrish

P.S I'm currently in love with ruby and think its worth learning.