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osOpinion: Developing Commercial Linux Applications: 101

[ Thanks to Kelly
McNeill
for this link. ]

“Going the cheap way isn’t always the right choice. You and I
probably know a lot of people switching to Linux (or GNU/Linux if
you prefer). Many of those are Unix old timers who have seen it
all, done it all. Even some conventional Microsoft only software
houses have some Unix/Linux insider. So when time comes to port
the fruit of their windows efforts, they have “cheap Unix clone” in
mind. Well, I am going to say it now, and I’ll repeat it at the
end. Here are the things you should know before you start doing
anything:

  • “Buy some Linux programming books. There are plenty. Sure Unix
    books will help but Linux is still different and the differences
    are more and more apparent especially on the desktop.
  • Look at open source software. Look at how they all (90%) offer
    rpm/deb/tgz packages for various distros.
  • Have a look at Helix code web site to see how they are
    supporting half a dozen distros and even Solaris. Ask them their
    advice if need be.
  • Train your local Unix gurus to become Linux gurus.
  • But most importantly, tell your Windows gurus Linux is
    multi-user for God’s sake. And that apps simply can’t expect to
    write just about anywhere on the hard drive.”

Complete
Story

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