[Opensim-dev] Should the core OpenSim distribution carry many scripting languages?

[Mike Mazur]

Hello,

On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 01:43:47 +0100
Justin Clark-Casey <jjustincc at googlemail.com> wrote:

> [... some concerns ...]

All valid concerns.

> Therefore, I would argue that OpenSimulator should only include in
> its core distribution support for a few scripting languages.  In my
> opinion these would be LSL, maybe C# and possibly one other (maybe
> Python). Support for other languages would come as optional plugins,
> available either directly from the author or from some satellite
> repository (perhaps similar to Perl's CPAN or PHP's PEAR).  I would
> personally prefer to see the core OpenSim distribution kept
> relatively lean and mean.

This would be the right way to go. Not sure whether a repository is
needed; can the module ecosystem be expected to grow to the size at
which it's best managed with a repository model?

> If necessary, I am happy to make any necessary infrastructure changes
> to make language plugins possible/easier (which probably also means
> making much needed enhancements to the plugin system).
> 
> What do other people think?

I'm a fan of having the author host the code (on Google code, for
instance). Links can be put on the wiki for third party modules like
this.

Another benefit would be a clear separation of ownership. If there are
problems with the module, those using the module would direct their
questions and/or bugs to the author. Issues with third party modules
filed in Mantis can be promptly closed with a link/note on who to
contact instead.

Mike