Frequently asked questions

General questions

  1. What is UnixObjects?
  2. But isn't Unix dead?
  3. Who would use UnixObjects?
  4. What benefits does UnixObjects bring?
  5. What is the difference between UnixObjects and Orgone?
  6. What do I need to start using UnixObjects?

Resources

  1. What software is available?
  2. Are there books about UnixObjects?

General questions

Q1: What is UnixObjects?

UnixObjects is a software architecture for Unix-like operating systems. It can be seen as an extension to the classic Unix tool approach, bringing polymorphism and dynamic inheritance, among other things, to Unix components.

Q2: But isn't Unix dead?

Quite the opposite. The original Unix® from Bell Labs is no longer being marketed, but reimplementations under different names have taken over. Apple's Mac OS X is the most widely used Unix-based system in the desktop computer market. GNU/Linux is the most popular on servers. The majority of the world's web pages and e-mail are being served by computers running some Unix implementation.

Q3: Who would use UnixObjects?

All software for Unix systems can benefit from at least some parts of it. Even systems whose heritage is further detached from Unix, such as Microsoft Windows, could probably benefit from some of its ideas.

Q4: What benefits does UnixObjects bring?

Increased programmer productivity. Greater clarity in design. Higher component reuse. Simplicity and symmetry.

Q5: What is the difference between UnixObjects and Orgone?

UnixObjects is an architecture. Orgone is a software package implementing the architecture. The author is the same.

Q6: What do I need to start using UnixObjects?

UnixObjects is largely about conventions, and nothing extra is needed to implement those conventions in ones own project. However, downloading the freely available Orgone 'base' kit enhances the experience and helps in getting acquainted with the concepts and logic.

Resources

Q1: What software is available?

At present, the only one is Orgone. This contains the @ command and other basic functionality needed to bootstrap ones own UO software development project.

Q2: Are there books about UnixObjects?

Not yet.