Richard Fateman wrote:
> I think that Schelter contributed some code
> that runs only in GCL or is linked to GCL through
> foreign function interface that makes some procedures
> run far faster than expected. If you are not using
> these procedures, the difference would not be visible.
> I do not know where these are used but I suspect
> polynomial factorization.
>
> I have explored with Franz Inc the possibility of
> their providing a base of Allegro CL for Maxima
> development.
>
> Advantage: supported ANSI CL on Windows, Mac OS-X, many
> different UNIX and linux systems, many extras like
> graphics, web support, etc. (see franz.com).
>
> Disadvantage: it does not come with source code.
> Disadvantage: there will be presumably SOME restriction
> on this so that they are not giving away their main
> source of revenue free. Yet this may not be much of
> a restriction since Franz already gives away a rather complete
> lisp free (minus some compiler features and maybe a
> maximum memory limit, plus.. one must re-register periodically...).
> The free "student" version does not
> include (I think) the full compiler (just compiles in-core,
> not producing files), and I think does not support
> new foreign function linkages. I think that both
> these restrictions would have to be lifted to be
> viable.
>
> My guess is that it will be something like
>
> the free lisp + enough extra resources to include all
> of maxima code + enough free space to continue to make it
> interesting.
>
> I don't know how people here feel about this.
> Possible reactions
>
> 1. Yes, let's do it. It makes our lives simpler.
> (We still need to understand what restrictions we
> can live with.)
>
> 2. No, only open-source GPL code allowed here.
>
> 3. It's just another Lisp, along with GCL etc to support.
> Do it if you want to.
>
> 4. Something else.
>
> If you are inclined towards reaction 1, we still
> need to make our list of "non-negotiable demands".
> They must be such that Franz Inc's business is
> placed in jeopardy. If we use this code it is
> in our best interests that the company remain profitable.
>
> RJF
>
Sorry, I don't quite grasp your idea. In particular difference
between 1 and 3. Do you suggest to make Allegro CL
the primary Lisp for Maxima? If so then I would rather
support options 3. Any extra Lisps are welcomed and
I honestly believe that Allegro Common Lisp is better
than non commercial Lisps we have. But I don't like
to rely on any closed source binaries. Imagine the
company which provided them ceased to operate
(like Macsyma Inc. does) where do I get new ones?
Maxima is attractive to me due to availability of
complete source code (including Lisp) which doesn't
depend on any vendor.
Vadim
--
[ Vadim V. Zhytnikov <vvzhy@mail.ru> <vvzhy@td.lpi.ac.ru> ]