(NT): Interpreter writer needed ? <was>Re: So how do we get the list moving?

[Alma J Wetzker]

Ben Duncan wrote:
> But ....
> 
> I have an Idea for a PROJECT. Something that can replace what AppGen WAS.
> Which is/was a "cradle to grave" business environment.
> 
> Now, I am an Applications person, and Am getting lost in trying to figure
> out all the in's and outs of what a "interpreter" does.
> 
Why would any reasonable person want to use an interpreter?  It is not a bad 
option, if done right.  The problem is that very few can do it right.

> My Idea: Take something like PYTHON or Euphoria, the --SYTEM(s)-- not the
> language. Modify them to replicate what AppGen is doing. Create some sort
> of OSS for storing the screens/reports/scripts in a presentation
> independent format (which is in essence, what Appgen does now). An reverse
> engineer the Applications ... (ok,ok I admit, I already have a C program
> that can extract the CORE functions of the appgen applications into a
> straight text file ...). Create a WYSIWYG screen painter / report writer
> and have a REAL Open SOurce Accounting application system.
> 
> Anyone game ?

Back in 1980 when I first became self (un)employed, I told myself that the 
last thing this world needed was another AP/AR/GL package.  I then proceeded 
to write *MANY* more of them.  (In DataFlex, if you must know.)  I am not 
familiar with Appgen but I am game to give it a go (between classes).

Most business systems have several layers of interpreted code making the whole 
thing chew cycles and bring big boxen to their power supplies.  First the DB 
(SQL), then the user language (ISO???), then the business logic (Some 
proprietary custom table in the DB), and usually the programming language.  I 
am not terribly enthused about making the same mess that SAP dominates and 
uses to kill companies.  But I like the idea of an OSS business app.  (I am 
actually working on something along thos lines but only part time.)

     -- Alma