[XPS-devel] The Long Road Begins

[Reid S. <ras...@re...>]

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Gentlemen,

Now that the first XPL definition has been released for review, I would
like us to start getting active in a few areas. I hope you're ready for
the ride ahead because XPL/XPS is going to be revolutionary in
programming. So, let's get busy ....

I know that you've been waiting for months for this release, so you're
going to need some time to review it. For the first stage of activity, I
would like to suggest that you refrain from making comments too early.
The schema is long and not particularly well documented (yet!).  Please
seek to understand it first. This will save both of us a lot of time. 
However, I want to encourage you to ask questions that further your
understanding of the schema.  Ask your questions right here on the
eXtProSys-devel mailing list so that newcomers can benefit from your
learning as well. I will attempt to respond as quickly as I can (24 hour
turn around in general). 

While you're getting to know XPL, I am going to document the language to
some degree. I intend to cover the basic concepts, the ideas and styles
of the language, and basic structure and content. I will leave the
detailed, element by element definitional work until we all are in
agreement about what XPL should look like. Your questions will form a
large part of the content of the XPL guide so please feel free to ask if
there is anything you don't understand. The specification is fairly
large and the descriptions in the schema components are pretty terse.

Once everyone is on the same page in terms of understanding the schema
definition, it will be time to let your criticisms fly. I'm of the mind
that "bad news is actionable" so please don't be bashful in making your
comments.  My goal is to seek the best possible definition for XPL
through interlocution and debate. While I may argue vociferously if I
think a particular idea is better than another, I am quite amenable to
be convinced if better ideas are suggested.

After we've revised the schema, we'll start implementing the compiler
for it, in baby steps. Simultaneously, we'll build the XPS execution
environment for the language; again, in baby steps. One of my "to do"
items over the next month or so is to define the work tasks in source
forge so we know what the road ahead looks like.  

I look forward to working with you in developing the world's best
programming environment. Thanks for your help with this project, its
will be fun ..

Best Regards,

Reid.