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Images or files in GNU Smalltalk?

I am new to Smalltalk. I think I understand the basics of the language and now I want to start with GNU Smalltalk (since it is free and has GTK bindings).

As I come from PHP and Java-Corner, I am not familiar with the concept of Smalltalk images. And I am even now reading that you do not need to use images in GNU Smalltalk. Now I am confused; -)

So is it possible to work with files and include the classes I need with the PackageLoader class?

I would be happy if I could use my favorite text editor (vim) for coding instead of IDEs ,-)

Please enlighten me :-)

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3 answers

Yes you can do it. However, using the image as a kind of preloaded package cache will speed up the loading of your application. See http://smalltalk.gnu.org/blog/bonzinip/seaside-development-gnu-smalltalk for an example.

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I, as the hard core of smalltalker, have to say: I personally would NEVER work in Smalltalk without an IDE. You will never “feel it” if you try Smalltalk in the classic compilation style in the editing style. This is possible, but only for well-established, ready-to-run programs - not for development.

So, please: do not do this - you get so much energy from the browser, and because you are dynamically typed, you really need to be happy with Smalltalk.

PS: but of course you can do it: in Smalltalk / X you can even go the old way by editing classes into separate files, compiling them into .obj files, linking them to .dll, and executing them as .exe. You can even debug them using print statements if you want ...

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There's a free book out there that seems to answer your newbie questions - Computer Programming Using GNU Smalltalk

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