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Created November 2, 2012 20:55
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MacRuby 1.0 vs RubyMotion for OS X
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MacRuby Currently

  • Implements ~90% of Ruby functionality with some bugs
  • Can be used to create OS X desktop applications
  • Integrates with XCode
  • Uses the Obj-C GC (deprecated)

MacRuby 1.0

  • Fix known Ruby compatibility bugs
  • New GC (probably Boehm-derived)
  • Maintain XCode compatibility

RubyMotion for OS X

  • Static compilation
  • Limited subset of Ruby (no eval, no binding)
  • ARC-ish Reference counting
  • Programatic UI generation

MacRuby 1.0 vs RubyMotion for OS X

  • libmacruby.dylib -> 8.9 MB
  • min app size ("hello, world"): MacRuby - 23.8 MB, RubyMotion - 1 MB
  • both fast, RubyMotion maybe a bit faster
  • Gems work in MacRuby, less so RubyMotion

The Question

Would you prefer a version of MacRuby that strives for MRI compatibility? Or a version that enables creation of fast, lightweight desktop apps at the cost of compatibility?

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