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Daedalus · 30 November 2021, 17:29

Replacing ARexx with Python was the approach taken by OS4, though it also includes the full ARexx interpreter. Essentially, it provides access to ARexx ports from Python. A similar approach could surely be done for OS3, but I do have to wonder why? Yes, ARexx isn't in the top 50 programming languages, but the Amiga isn't in the top 50 computer brands either.

ARexx also works just fine on a 68000, and given that OS 3.1.4 and 3.2 took a step back in terms of CPU requirements from the 68020 required for OS 3.9, it doesn't seem like a great idea to suddenly require an accelerator for a core part of the OS. Also, 68030s are most certainly not the "weakest" accelerator on the market - bear in mind that the ACA 500+ is simply a faster 68000, and that many people opt for fast-RAM only boards.

By all means, develop a Python bridge that allows Python scripts to use ARexx ports and commands, and upload it to Aminet. That will let anyone who wants to, to use Python in place of ARexx. But suddenly upping the hardware requirements of the OS to use a different scripting language because it's popular seems a bit pointless.

30 November 2021, 17:29	#105
Daedalus Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Dublin, then Glasgow Posts: 6,351	Replacing ARexx with Python was the approach taken by OS4, though it also includes the full ARexx interpreter. Essentially, it provides access to ARexx ports from Python. A similar approach could surely be done for OS3, but I do have to wonder why? Yes, ARexx isn't in the top 50 programming languages, but the Amiga isn't in the top 50 computer brands either. ARexx also works just fine on a 68000, and given that OS 3.1.4 and 3.2 took a step back in terms of CPU requirements from the 68020 required for OS 3.9, it doesn't seem like a great idea to suddenly require an accelerator for a core part of the OS. Also, 68030s are most certainly not the "weakest" accelerator on the market - bear in mind that the ACA 500+ is simply a faster 68000, and that many people opt for fast-RAM only boards. By all means, develop a Python bridge that allows Python scripts to use ARexx ports and commands, and upload it to Aminet. That will let anyone who wants to, to use Python in place of ARexx. But suddenly upping the hardware requirements of the OS to use a different scripting language because it's popular seems a bit pointless.