Whither NetRexx

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Whither NetRexx

Tom Maynard
What is the future of NetRexx?

It's a good question, deserving of a good and considered answer.  The
future of all software development (outside of the corporate arena)
seems to me to be divided into just two camps:

1. Desktop/Webtop
2. Mobile

And admittedly one could argue that "webtop" and "mobile" overlap by a
wide margin.  Perhaps they do (I'm not going to argue the point one way
or another).  The thrust of this inquiry is: Where should NetRexx focus
its internal development efforts?

For Option #1, we have the Ruby/Rails/Bowline, Groovy/Grails/Griffon,
..., path to follow.  We could implement a NetRexx/Nails/NrxOn toolset,
focused on desk/webtop "mainstream" application development, or

For Option #2, we could take Kermit's "AndRexx" idea and build a
powerful Android (mobile) development toolset (including
Eclipse/NetBeans support).

Of course we could do nothing and let NetRexx whither on the vine.  
Where is the Next.Big.Thing going to be?  On the Net or on Mobile
devices?  (Or both??)

It is possible to do Android (and iPhone) development using nothing but
HTML, PHP, CSS, and some JavaScript.  Those apps are limited, of
course.  They have almost no access to the mobile hardware.  But what
about NetRexx?

If you think the mobile platform will ultimately rule the world ... then
perhaps RexxLA and the NetRexx community should focus on cranking out
some really solid development tools to suit.

If the Desk/Webtop is where it's going to be, then perhaps we should
focus on webapp development, with NetRexx at the forefront ...  
NetRexx/Nails, and/or NetRexx/NrxOn.  This is MVC-centric, of course,
but it could/might attract a reasonable number of folks eager to abandon
Java, and to adopt a simpler syntax.

What do you think?  Where does the future lie, and how can NetRexx catch
a ride on that train?

[A voting poll follows (or precedes) this note.  Mark your ballot
carefully!]

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Re: Whither NetRexx

George Hovey-2
Can't vote -- you left out "none of the above".

On Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 11:35 PM, Tom Maynard <[hidden email]> wrote:
What is the future of NetRexx?

It's a good question, deserving of a good and considered answer.  The future of all software development (outside of the corporate arena) seems to me to be divided into just two camps:

1. Desktop/Webtop
2. Mobile

And admittedly one could argue that "webtop" and "mobile" overlap by a wide margin.  Perhaps they do (I'm not going to argue the point one way or another).  The thrust of this inquiry is: Where should NetRexx focus its internal development efforts?

For Option #1, we have the Ruby/Rails/Bowline, Groovy/Grails/Griffon, ..., path to follow.  We could implement a NetRexx/Nails/NrxOn toolset, focused on desk/webtop "mainstream" application development, or

For Option #2, we could take Kermit's "AndRexx" idea and build a powerful Android (mobile) development toolset (including Eclipse/NetBeans support).

Of course we could do nothing and let NetRexx whither on the vine.  Where is the Next.Big.Thing going to be?  On the Net or on Mobile devices?  (Or both??)

It is possible to do Android (and iPhone) development using nothing but HTML, PHP, CSS, and some JavaScript.  Those apps are limited, of course.  They have almost no access to the mobile hardware.  But what about NetRexx?

If you think the mobile platform will ultimately rule the world ... then perhaps RexxLA and the NetRexx community should focus on cranking out some really solid development tools to suit.

If the Desk/Webtop is where it's going to be, then perhaps we should focus on webapp development, with NetRexx at the forefront ...  NetRexx/Nails, and/or NetRexx/NrxOn.  This is MVC-centric, of course, but it could/might attract a reasonable number of folks eager to abandon Java, and to adopt a simpler syntax.

What do you think?  Where does the future lie, and how can NetRexx catch a ride on that train?

[A voting poll follows (or precedes) this note.  Mark your ballot carefully!]

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Re: Whither NetRexx

Jason Monroe Martin
In reply to this post by Tom Maynard
I voted.

It's made for Android. It's small and can do it all.

This is the first time in many years that I have seen it fit a niche so
well.

Desktops will still be made and used but more and more people will want
/ own
  small low power devices with few moving parts.

It's open source now and people like me will make sure it sticks around.

It always has been a beautiful piece of work.

It also could be a great language to teach to a younger generation.







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Re: Whither NetRexx

Fernando Cassia-2
In reply to this post by Tom Maynard
On Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 01:35, Tom Maynard <[hidden email]> wrote:
> For Option #2, we could take Kermit's "AndRexx" idea and build a powerful
> Android (mobile) development toolset (including Eclipse/NetBeans support).

Why "AND"(roid)Rexx and not "MobiNetRexx" ;)

I´d like to see NetRexx as platform-neutral as possible.
And you know there´s more to the mobile-OS world than Android.

When/if I get my hands on a MeeGo powered device and/or WebOS
(soon-to-be Open Source), my first attempts will be getting OpenJDK
compiled for these, I´d also like to see OpenJDK on the Kindle
Fire....

ORCL has also indicated that they´ll be blurring the difference
between J2ME and Java SE, possibly allowing future Java SE to run
midlets without the need of a "MicroEmulator".

btw: anybody got a Kindle (the monochrome, e-ink versions, not Fire
tablet), and played with its SDK based on Java MIDP midlets?

FC
--
During times of Universal Deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act
Durante épocas de Engaño Universal, decir la verdad se convierte en un
Acto Revolucionario
- George Orwell


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Re: Whither NetRexx

Fernando Cassia-2
In reply to this post by Jason Monroe Martin
On Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 02:27, Jason Monroe Martin
<[hidden email]> wrote:
> It's open source now and people like me will make sure it sticks around.
> It always has been a beautiful piece of work.
> It also could be a great language to teach to a younger generation.

I believe the unknown name and IBM background also plays a role in its
low uptake. I mean, just imagine if instead of NetRexx it´d be called
"Easy Java", and it came from someone at Farcebook or Twitter... then
you´d get news headlines drooling over the next-big-thing. ;)

In fact, that´d be a nice experiment... "how a name and customer
perceptions influences technology uptake".

Imagine taking the same NetRexx source and building a parallel site
with an alternative name, then trumpet the release of an exciting new
language (that is actually NetRexx).... and watch it get praised by
people who didn´t praise NetRexx. ;)

Now, rinse and repeat 20 times. Soon you´ll have 20x the NetRexx
installed base, from people who don´t know they´re actually using
NetRexx.

Now seriously... I think better IDE integration would go a long way.
ie, if I could load up Netbeans 7.x or IntelliJ IDEA and start a new
"NetRexx project" and click on buttons, draw a Swing GUI and start
typing NetRexx code for each button´s "actions", that´d be great.

Just my $0.02
FC


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RE: Whither NetRexx

Mike Cowlishaw
In reply to this post by Tom Maynard
 
> For Option #2, we could take Kermit's "AndRexx" idea and
> build a powerful Android (mobile) development toolset
> (including Eclipse/NetBeans support).

<chuckle />  ... might not be the best name for the UK market.  See:
http://www.andrexpuppy.co.uk/about-andrex-puppy/

Mike

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Re: Whither NetRexx

Kermit Kiser
In reply to this post by Fernando Cassia-2
I realize that Tom was referring to the Android NetRexx toolkit I
developed, but to avoid future confusion please be aware that AndRexx is
the company name I created to market some Android projects developed
with NetRexx.

-- KK

On 1/12/2012 11:33 PM, Fernando Cassia wrote:

> On Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 01:35, Tom Maynard<[hidden email]>  wrote:
>> For Option #2, we could take Kermit's "AndRexx" idea and build a powerful
>> Android (mobile) development toolset (including Eclipse/NetBeans support).
> Why "AND"(roid)Rexx and not "MobiNetRexx" ;)
>
> I´d like to see NetRexx as platform-neutral as possible.
> And you know there´s more to the mobile-OS world than Android.
>
> When/if I get my hands on a MeeGo powered device and/or WebOS
> (soon-to-be Open Source), my first attempts will be getting OpenJDK
> compiled for these, I´d also like to see OpenJDK on the Kindle
> Fire....
>
> ORCL has also indicated that they´ll be blurring the difference
> between J2ME and Java SE, possibly allowing future Java SE to run
> midlets without the need of a "MicroEmulator".
>
> btw: anybody got a Kindle (the monochrome, e-ink versions, not Fire
> tablet), and played with its SDK based on Java MIDP midlets?
>
> FC

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RE: Whither NetRexx

christel.u.w.pachl christel.u.w.pachl
In reply to this post by Mike Cowlishaw
1) Nice puppy
2) watch the extra x in Rexx

---- Mike Cowlishaw <[hidden email]> schrieb:

>  
> > For Option #2, we could take Kermit's "AndRexx" idea and
> > build a powerful Android (mobile) development toolset
> > (including Eclipse/NetBeans support).
>
> <chuckle />  ... might not be the best name for the UK market.  See:
> http://www.andrexpuppy.co.uk/about-andrex-puppy/
>
> Mike
>
> _______________________________________________
> Ibm-netrexx mailing list
> [hidden email]
> Online Archive : http://ibm-netrexx.215625.n3.nabble.com/
>

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Re: Whither NetRexx

Marc Remes-2
In reply to this post by Kermit Kiser
On 01/13/2012 08:59 AM, Kermit Kiser wrote:
> some Android projects developed with NetRexx

Toilet paper for dogs?

-- sorry couldn"t resist ;

Marc

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RE: Whither NetRexx

Dave Woodman
No sh*t! (I couldn't either! :-) )

Andrex has been an established brand here since Tyrannosaurus stalked the earth and the puppy has been stealing the stuff for as long as I can remember.

        Dave.


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Marc Remes
Sent: 13 January 2012 08:10
To: IBM Netrexx
Subject: Re: [Ibm-netrexx] Whither NetRexx

On 01/13/2012 08:59 AM, Kermit Kiser wrote:
> some Android projects developed with NetRexx

Toilet paper for dogs?

-- sorry couldn"t resist ;

Marc

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RE: Whither NetRexx

Martin Packer
In reply to this post by Mike Cowlishaw
How about "And Rexx"? :-)

Martin

Martin Packer,
Mainframe Performance Consultant, zChampion

Worldwide Banking Center of Excellence, IBM

+44-7802-245-584

email: [hidden email]

Twitter / Facebook IDs: MartinPacker
Blog: https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/mydeveloperworks/blogs/MartinPacker


From: "Mike Cowlishaw" <[hidden email]>
To: "'IBM Netrexx'" <[hidden email]>,
Date: 13/01/2012 08:17
Subject: RE: [Ibm-netrexx] Whither NetRexx
Sent by: [hidden email]





 
> For Option #2, we could take Kermit's "AndRexx" idea and
> build a powerful Android (mobile) development toolset
> (including Eclipse/NetBeans support).

<chuckle />  ... might not be the best name for the UK market.  See:
http://www.andrexpuppy.co.uk/about-andrex-puppy/

Mike

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Re: Whither NetRexx

kenner
In reply to this post by Fernando Cassia-2

I stayed away from netrexx for years because I thought it was only for coding programs that worked with a network.


Kenneth Klein



Fernando Cassia <[hidden email]>
Sent by: [hidden email]

01/13/2012 03:05 AM

Please respond to
IBM Netrexx <[hidden email]>

To
IBM Netrexx <[hidden email]>
cc
Subject
Re: [Ibm-netrexx] Whither NetRexx





On Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 02:27, Jason Monroe Martin
<[hidden email]> wrote:
> It's open source now and people like me will make sure it sticks around.
> It always has been a beautiful piece of work.
> It also could be a great language to teach to a younger generation.

I believe the unknown name and IBM background also plays a role in its
low uptake. I mean, just imagine if instead of NetRexx it´d be called
"Easy Java", and it came from someone at Farcebook or Twitter... then
you´d get news headlines drooling over the next-big-thing. ;)

In fact, that´d be a nice experiment... "how a name and customer
perceptions influences technology uptake".

Imagine taking the same NetRexx source and building a parallel site
with an alternative name, then trumpet the release of an exciting new
language (that is actually NetRexx).... and watch it get praised by
people who didn´t praise NetRexx. ;)

Now, rinse and repeat 20 times. Soon you´ll have 20x the NetRexx
installed base, from people who don´t know they´re actually using
NetRexx.

Now seriously... I think better IDE integration would go a long way.
ie, if I could load up Netbeans 7.x or IntelliJ IDEA and start a new
"NetRexx project" and click on buttons, draw a Swing GUI and start
typing NetRexx code for each button´s "actions", that´d be great.

Just my $0.02
FC


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Re: Whither NetRexx

Tom Maynard
In reply to this post by George Hovey-2
On 1/12/2012 11:23 PM, George Hovey wrote:
> Can't vote -- you left out "none of the above".
>

Guilty as charged.  Of course I'm sure you realized that the poll itself
was only secondary: the real thrust was for folks to don their thinking
caps.

So, George, for you whither NetRexx?

Tom.

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Re: Whither NetRexx

Tom Maynard
In reply to this post by Fernando Cassia-2
On 1/13/2012 1:33 AM, Fernando Cassia wrote:
> Why "AND"(roid)Rexx and not "MobiNetRexx" ;)

Mostly because the JVM exists on Android, development is typically done
in Java, and I have no experience with other mobile platforms.  But your
point is taken.

I need to be more "gender neutral" in my speech.

Tom.

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Re: Whither NetRexx

Tom Maynard
In reply to this post by Kermit Kiser
On 1/13/2012 1:59 AM, Kermit Kiser wrote:
> Tom was referring to the Android NetRexx toolkit I developed, but to
> avoid future confusion please be aware that AndRexx is the company
> name I created to market some Android projects developed with NetRexx.
>

I certainly meant no disrespect, confusion, obfuscation, or otherwise.  
I used your brand name because I felt it would be familiar to the list
members.  "MobiNetRexx" is equally good, and probably not already taken
(not to mention platform-neutral).

Keep up the good work, Kermit.

Tom.

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Re: Whither NetRexx

ThSITC
In reply to this post by kenner
One of the BIG advantages of NetRexx is that it does run on ANY Platform supporting the JVM, for the
Handy up to the BIG IRON! Without any recompilation!

Just my 2 cents .
Have a nice week.
thomas.
===============================================================================
Am 13.01.2012 15:53, schrieb [hidden email]

I stayed away from netrexx for years because I thought it was only for coding programs that worked with a network.


Kenneth Klein



Fernando Cassia [hidden email]
Sent by: [hidden email]

01/13/2012 03:05 AM

Please respond to
IBM Netrexx [hidden email]

To
IBM Netrexx [hidden email]
cc

Subject
Re: [Ibm-netrexx] Whither NetRexx







On Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 02:27, Jason Monroe Martin
[hidden email] wrote:
> It's open source now and people like me will make sure it sticks around.
> It always has been a beautiful piece of work.
> It also could be a great language to teach to a younger generation.

I believe the unknown name and IBM background also plays a role in its
low uptake. I mean, just imagine if instead of NetRexx it´d be called
"Easy Java", and it came from someone at Farcebook or Twitter... then
you´d get news headlines drooling over the next-big-thing. ;)

In fact, that´d be a nice experiment... "how a name and customer
perceptions influences technology uptake".

Imagine taking the same NetRexx source and building a parallel site
with an alternative name, then trumpet the release of an exciting new
language (that is actually NetRexx).... and watch it get praised by
people who didn´t praise NetRexx. ;)

Now, rinse and repeat 20 times. Soon you´ll have 20x the NetRexx
installed base, from people who don´t know they´re actually using
NetRexx.

Now seriously... I think better IDE integration would go a long way.
ie, if I could load up Netbeans 7.x or IntelliJ IDEA and start a new
"NetRexx project" and click on buttons, draw a Swing GUI and start
typing NetRexx code for each button´s "actions", that´d be great.

Just my $0.02
FC


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--
Thomas Schneider (Founder of www.thsitc.com) Member of the Rexx Languge Asscociation (www.rexxla.org) Member of the NetRexx Developer's Team (www.netrexx.org)

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Thomas Schneider, Vienna, Austria (Europe) :-)

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www.db-123.com
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Re: Whither NetRexx

ThSITC
In reply to this post by Tom Maynard
Hi Tom, and all,
    as far as I do know Rene Vincent Jansen also tried successfully  a
*crack*, which made Netrexx running at the IPHONE as well.
Thomas.
==========================================================================================
Am 13.01.2012 16:11, schrieb Tom Maynard:

> On 1/13/2012 1:33 AM, Fernando Cassia wrote:
>> Why "AND"(roid)Rexx and not "MobiNetRexx" ;)
>
> Mostly because the JVM exists on Android, development is typically
> done in Java, and I have no experience with other mobile platforms.  
> But your point is taken.
>
> I need to be more "gender neutral" in my speech.
>
> Tom.
>
> _______________________________________________
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>
>


--
Thomas Schneider (Founder of www.thsitc.com) Member of the Rexx Languge
Asscociation (www.rexxla.org) Member of the NetRexx Developer's Team
(www.netrexx.org)

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Re: Whither NetRexx

Fernando Cassia-2
In reply to this post by Tom Maynard
On Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 12:11, Tom Maynard <[hidden email]> wrote:
> Mostly because the JVM exists on Android, development is typically done in
> Java, and I have no experience with other mobile platforms.  But your point
> is taken.

J2ME is still big, more big than what the marketing drones at Google
or Apple would want us to believe.

Down here, most if not all Chinese phones come with Java ME (J2ME MIDP 2.0)
http://listado.mercadolibre.com.ar/dual-sim-java

I´m puzzled why the FTC doesn´t go after Google for removing access to
its Java ME apps,
http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2008/10/introducing-gmail-for-mobile-20.html

... a move designed clearly to hurt low-cost Java-enabled devices
which eat into its own mobile OS Android.

http://www.theverge.com/2011/12/5/2612945/google-pulls-gmail-symbian

(the news headline is incorrect Google´s JavaME apps worked on all
Java enabled phones, I have it running on my PalmOS Centro with IBM J9
JVM).

Luckily some have mirrored those...

http://blog.wapreview.com/2578/

....and even for stuff like Google Authenticator there´s open source
J2ME implementations of Google´s os-specific apps.

http://code.google.com/p/lwuitgauthj2me/

FC
--
During times of Universal Deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act
Durante épocas de Engaño Universal, decir la verdad se convierte en un
Acto Revolucionario
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Re: Whither NetRexx

Tom Maynard
On 1/14/2012 5:49 PM, Fernando Cassia wrote:
> ... a move designed clearly to hurt low-cost Java-enabled devices
> which eat into its own mobile OS Android.

Considering that Android is free, I'm not sure Google is out to "get"
anybody.  But I'll be the first to admit that I don't understand much
about business.

Tom.

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