Re: Emacs ffi

[Christopher Dimech <dimech@gmx.com>]

> Sent: Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 2:30 AM
> From: "Joel Reicher" <joel.reicher@gmail.com>
> To: "Stefan Kangas" <stefankangas@gmail.com>
> Cc: "Christopher Dimech" <dimech@gmx.com>, "Eli Zaretskii" <eliz@gnu.org>, acorallo@gnu.org, suhailsingh247@gmail.com, gerd.moellmann@gmail.com, nicolas@n16f.net, arthur.miller@live.com, emacs-devel@gnu.org
> Subject: Re: Emacs ffi
>
> Stefan Kangas <stefankangas@gmail.com> writes:
>
> > Christopher Dimech <dimech@gmx.com> writes:
> >
> >> Incorporating a mathematical library into Emacs, based on Calc,
> >> is not just feasible but highly beneficial.
> >
> > I think we all agree that a general purpose mathematical library
> > would be interesting.  The point is that the specifics of how it
> > is implemented matters.
>
> "Interesting" is different to "useful", and I think this is why
> the implementation is unclear, because the requirements of a
> library can only be made clear by a multiplicity of consumers.
>
> What packages, other than Calc, would make use of such a library?
> (That's not rhetorical; I don't pretend to have an overview of all
> such packages.)
>
> > If you think basing it on Calc is the best way forward, then I
> > invite you to get started.
>
> It needs to be based on potential consumers. If Calc is the only
> consumer, then a library does not make sense yet.

Agreed.  I cannot see an Emacs package that would make extensive use
of the library.

> But that's not to say an FFI wouldn't improve Calc's
> implementation. If that's the issue, then it's a discussion that
> differs from one about library. - Joel

Calc is not bad, and outside libraries would not improve it much.
The mathematical tools of calc could be redesigned as an emacs
built-in library that Calc would then use.  Calc would then become
just a normal package.  Direct work on Calc has stopped.

My comments were directed at not enforcing licensing checks on external
libraries, but rather to maintain only our own internal licensing compliance
and provide guidance to users.  Users should make their own decisions about
integrating libraries.  Individuals who primarily write code have no serious
experience on licensing matters and legal implications.

Licensing issues require specialized knowledge beyond coding skills, including
an understanding of legal frameworks, compliance requirements, and the nuances
of different software licenses. Therefore, it's crucial to involve those with
a solid background in licensing to ensure proper handling and adherence to legal
standards.