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<H2><A NAME="s1">1. Introduction</A></H2>
<P>Linux is a fascinating operating system because it lets any
user participate in its development. The variety of available
languages, however, can be confusing to beginning Linux
developers. This document lists the most common options for
everyday development and states some key facts about them. (Well,
``most common'' and ``key'' as I perceive them.)
<P>My aim is neither to review the languages nor to determine
which one is the best. Each language is a tool that fits some
jobs and some tastes. You can get further (often conflicting)
information easily, if you ask around or keep your ears open. The
Links sections in this document will give you some pointers for
your own research.
<P>There is a plethora of languages and libraries for Linux, so
this document only covers the most common languages and GUI
(Graphical User Interface) toolkits at the moment. This document
is intended to be fairly neutral, but I haven't included all
languages available. Since my judgment is undoubtedly biased in
many ways, I advise serious developers to check out the sites that
do a better job in listing all languages and libraries. Also note
that only the Linux implementations of the languages and GUI
toolkits are covered, their features on other platforms are not
discussed or implied.
<P>This document is a recent addition to the LDP, so there has not
been opportunity for much community feedback. However, it is
released in hopes that it will prove useful for people interested
in programming under Linux, especially beginners. A question mark
in the tables indicates lack of information. If you can fill it
in, please contact the author.
<H2><A NAME="ss1.1">1.1 Latest Version of the Document</A>
</H2>
<P>You can find the latest modifications at
<A HREF="http://www.helsinki.fi/~rvaranka/Computer/Linux/HOWTO/">http://www.helsinki.fi/~rvaranka/Computer/Linux/HOWTO/</A><H2><A NAME="ss1.2">1.2 Copyright</A>
</H2>
<P>Copyright (c) 2000 Risto Varanka.
<H2><A NAME="ss1.3">1.3 License</A>
</H2>
<P>The following license terms apply to all LDP documents, unless
otherwise stated in the document. The LDP documents may be
reproduced and distributed in whole or in part, in any medium
physical or electronic, provided that this license notice is
displayed in the reproduction. Commercial redistribution is
permitted and encouraged. Thirty days advance notice via email to
the author(s) of redistribution is appreciated, to give the
authors time to provide updated documents.
<H3>Requirements of Modified Works</H3>
<P>All modified documents, including translations, anthologies,
and partial documents, must meet the following requirements:
<P>
<OL>
<LI>The modified version must be labeled as such.</LI>
<LI>The person making the modifications must be identified.</LI>
<LI>Acknowledgement of the original author must be retained.</LI>
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<LI>The original author's (or authors') name(s) may not be used to
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<P>In addition it is requested that:
<P>
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<LI>The modifications (including deletions) be noted.</LI>
<LI>The author be notified by email of the modification in
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<P>As a special exception, anthologies of LDP documents may
include a single copy of these license terms in a conspicuous
location within the anthology and replace other copies of this
license with a reference to the single copy of the license without
the document being considered ``modified'' for the purposes of
this section.
<P>Mere aggregation of LDP documents with other documents or
programs on the same media shall not cause this license to apply
to those other works.
<P>All translations, derivative documents, or modified documents
that incorporate any LDP document may not have more restrictive
license terms than these, except that you may require distributors
to make the resulting document available in source format.
<H2><A NAME="ss1.4">1.4 Disclaimer</A>
</H2>
<P>THIS DOCUMENT COVERS A LARGE AND CONSTANTLY CHANGING
DOMAIN. THEREFORE, THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT MAY
BE INCORRECT OR OUTDATED. ALL USE OF THIS DOCUMENT AND ALL
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN IT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. THE AUTHOR DOES
NOT GIVE ANY WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE, EITHER EXPLICIT OR
IMPLIED.
<H2><A NAME="ss1.5">1.5 Author</A>
</H2>
<P>You are welcome to send feedback to the author at:
<A HREF="mailto:risto.varanka@helsinki.fi">risto.varanka@helsinki.fi</A>.
<P>Author's web site can be found at
<A HREF="http://www.helsinki.fi/~rvaranka/">http://www.helsinki.fi/~rvaranka/</A>.
<H2><A NAME="ss1.6">1.6 Credits</A>
</H2>
<P>I am thankful to several people who commented on language
issues. These conversations have given me a better view of the
different languages, and I hope future conversations will allow
this mini-HOWTO to mature over time. Especially I would like to
thank the people at the IRCNet channel #linux: Morphy, Bluesmurf,
Vadim, Zonk^, Rikkus and others whose names I have
forgotten. Thanks go also to Stig Erik Sandoe for helpful
comments.
<H2><A NAME="ss1.7">1.7 Links</A>
</H2>
<P>Exhaustive lists of Linux development libraries and tools:
<P>
<UL>
<LI>
<A HREF="http://www.freshmeat.net/appindex/development/">Freshmeat</A></LI>
<LI>
<A HREF="http://www.hotfeet.ch/~gemi/LDT/">Linux Development Tools</A></LI>
<LI>
<A HREF="http://www.linuxprogramming.com/">linuxprogramming.com</A></LI>
</UL>
<P>The
<A HREF="http://www.tuxedo.org/~esr/faqs/hacker-howto.html">Hacker FAQ</A> by Eric S. Raymond is another interesting text
for novice Linux developers. It concentrates on some cultural and
psychological aspects of open source development.
<P>Other
<A HREF="http://www.linuxdoc.org/">LDP documents</A>
covering general programming subjects include the Reading List
HOWTO and the Linux Programmer's Guide - several more have been
written on specific subjects.
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