MOOSE Project

[Chris Harris]

Hello,
     I've heard a little about MOOSE in the past, but I didn't know it 
was quite this neat.  =)  Perhaps you're like super-human or something, 
but this seems like a rather large project to take on (or even maintain) 
on your own.  As such, I'd like to get any more details you may have 
about the project, as I might be interested in joining, if you wouldn't 
mind.  In particular, I'd like to know what an object is in MOOSE, and 
how low-level the stack language is, and what options it supports.  I 
won't have a decent system on my hands for a few weeks (I still need to 
find a decent one for a decent price), so I can't do anything right away, 
but I could still take a look.

     As for a high-level language, I would definately look at self, since 
it presents one of the best object models I've ever seen.  Perhaps models 
like it will be the way of the future.  Not sure how well it fits the 
other requirements, though.

     Well, I gotta' run.  Look forward to hearing back from you.
     
-Chris

>   As I'm sick of computing systems I know, and saw no end to them, I've
> decided to write my own, on my 386 PC to begin with, but in a portable way
> (have an implementation over *yuck* POSIX ?).
> 
>   The project is called MOOSE, and I'm writing it alone. It means
> Multi-* Object-oriented Operating System and Environment. *I* didn't choose
> the name as I wasn't alone at that time.
> 
>   It's a project for an OS that will change you from Un*x and
> sub-clones like MS-DOG:
> - of course multi* (tasking/threading/user)
> - persistence, thus garbage collection, security, type-checking (thus, no "C")
>  that means no *need* of file system (but still support them to communicate
>  with other OSes. That also means *need* for a language that supports
>  orthogonal persistence.
> - machine-independent low-level (stack-based/FORTH-like ?) language for
>  portable binaries, with common interpreter or compiler back-end.
> - partial lazy evaluation and optimization for ideal dynamic performance
> - no-kernel (not even micro- or nano-) architecture. Everything is
>  decentralized in modules (even the module loaders). The only thing needed
>  is a boot module. Modules communicate through conventional protocols (which
>  may change by replacing all concerned modules).
> - system specifications open for a distributed version where objects migrate
>  or are copied on the fly from host to host to achieve best performance
>  (but security required more than ever).
> - Author authentification to retribute authors, or give them (dis)credit.
> - dynamic typing high-level (some may say "object-oriented") language as
>  a standard interactive development tool -- no *need* for a shell and a
>  bunch of stubborn languages that cope with each other's flaws. All systems
>  specification are done in such a language. The language should have natural
>  extensions that allow program specification and proof, and do secure
>  type-checking.
> 
>   I'm still looking for the high-level language to use, which must be able to
> integrate all those features. Can somebody help me ?
>   I'm considering BETA, SELF, Icon, or something like that. Else I'll have to
> design my own (as a self-extended typechecking FORTH-like thing ?) :( :(. Any
> comments ?
> 
>   I'm also considering joining Mike Prince's PIOS project, or the FIRE 
project.
> If there's another project (personal/university/commercial) that includes all
> (or a big part) of those features, please tell me. If you see any reason why
> it shouldn't be possible or wishable, or that it does not go for enough, or
> that it goes in the wrong direction, please tell me too. I *think* I am
> open-minded enough to hear it.
> 
> 
>   Any help, comment or feedback appreciated.
>   Please reply by mail (but you may post your reply *too*), as I may not be
> reading your group. Sorry for the noise if you think it doesn't fit the group.
>   Thanks.
> --
> --    ,                                         ,           _ v    ~  ^  --
> -- Fare -- rideau@clipper.ens.fr -- Francois-Rene Rideau -- +)ang-Vu Ban --
> --                                      '                   / .          --
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