* Package name : opensmalltalk-vm Version : 1.0 Upstream Author : squeak.org * URL : https://github.com/OpenSmalltalk/opensmalltalk-vm * License : MIT Programming Lang: Smalltalk, C Description : High performance virtual machine for Smalltalk (this is part of the Squeak project https://squeak.org) Squeak is a full-featured implementation of the Smalltalk programming language and environment based on (and largely compatible with) the original Smalltalk-80 system. This package contains just the Unix Squeak opensmalltalk virtual machine, a modern implementation with significantly enhanced performance. You will likely need also an image file containing a "snapshot" of a live Squeak session - e.g. from the Squeak, Pharo or Cuis projects. ---------------------------------- This package is needed to provide Debian with a modern, high performance implementation of the Squeak VM. Recent Smalltalk images provided by Squeak and related dialects require this VM in order to run. A few key points: - It complements the existing squeak-vm package[1]. - One of the key differences between the implementations is that squeak-vm is a pure bytecode interpreter while opensmalltalk-vm includes a high performance JIT implementation for x86 and ARM. - There are some shared resources between opensmalltalk-vm and squeak-vm. As a result, at least two supporting packages (a common package and a metapackage) are also proposed. - We are prepared to upstream at least the majority of changes needed to satisfy Debian packaging requirements. I am a long-time Smalltalk developer and have been working with the Squeak project to produce at least the initial package for this VM. The Squeak project is open to whatever arrangement Debian maintainers feel is appropriate (i.e. it's unclear at this time if the Sugar team would be interested in taking on maintenance of the package, if I would continue to do so etc... this is open for discussion) for the ongoing maintenance of the package(s). I am looking for a sponsor. Obviously, I need someone to help me get the package uploaded. I could also use some packaging advice, given the non-trivial nature of this package. I am a long-term Debian user and believe we are addressing the key issues related to Debian packaging, but would appreciate another set of eyes to confirm. [1] squeak-vm is the 'classic' VM, whose code is also maintained by the Squeak project. It is still required by legacy applications such as Scratch and Etoys, so the plan is for both VMs to co-exist.
Hi Phil, Quoting Phil Bellalouna (2021-08-17 05:10:24) [...] First of all, sorry for the late reply! I am quite happy to help maintain opensmalltalk-vm. I have tried several times wrap my head around it but failed so far, so I am very pleased that you are reaching out and want to do this collaboratively. I suggest that we use the Sugar team as platform for this package - just because it exists already, has very low activity, and is somewhat related (although if I understand correctly opensmalltalk-vm is not usable with EToys which is the only Smalltalk piece in Sugar. If that's ok with you (and if you are still around and interested, after this much silence on my part) then please create an account at Salsa and request membership in the Sugar team - as that's how you can have write access to our git repos there. More info on that at https://wiki.debian.org/Sugar#Development and more generally at https://wiki.debian.org/Salsa You might also want to register at the Sugar mailinglist, to receive the emails related to the packaging work. Kind regards, - Jonas
Hi Jonas, No worries. Your timing is actually just about perfect as we have some things nearly ready to go and some administrative decisions will need to be made. That's great to hear. There's nothing terribly complicated about it, but some of the approach and conventions adopted predate modern open source by a couple of decades. So it can tend to look a bit alien if you're not used to it. Hopefully I can fill in any gaps and generally help you make sense of it. That works for me. That is correct, opensmalltalk-vm will not (directly) support EToys or Scratch which is part of why we also want to keep (and still maintain upstream) the squeak-vm package. One of the things I've been working on is for multiple VMs to co-exist side-by-side to enable simultaneously running old and new images which we can discuss in more detail as we get into it. I've registered at Salsa but am getting a message: 'You have signed up successfully. However, we could not sign you in because your account is awaiting approval from your GitLab administrator.' So I guess I'm waiting for someone to review and approve the registration? I'm still subscribed the pkg-sugar-dev mailing list so assuming that's the list you mean, we should be good to go there. Thanks and looking forward to discussing further, Phil
Quoting Phil Bellalouna (2021-10-06 01:44:20) Phew! I worried if my/our silence had discouraged you too much. Sounds good - both parts. can try nuddge some folks e.g. via irc. I've dropped you as direct cc on this mail now: Posting style for Debian lists is to only cc when explicitly requested: https://www.debian.org/MailingLists/#codeofconduct Looking forward to collaborate with you, - Jonas