Groovy, Ruby, PHP, Python: the revival of scripting languages

Scripting languages have been around for a long time but were regarded as only good for tactical quick-and-dirty applications. Then came the web and the need to add dynamic content to page templates through scriptlets (i.e. javascript). Then came the need to produce web pages directly from server-side (middle-tier and/or database).

To make this story short, 20+ millions web sites today are built using PHP, the most popular scripting language; add few millions for PERL, Python, and so on. Scripting languages got their "letter de nobless" and the rest is history!

Groovy, Ruby on Rails are the new generation of scripting languages. In chapter 5 of my book, i gave few examples of scripting languages running directly in the Oracle database including TCL (JACL), PYTHON (JYTHON), SCHEME and GROOVY. Note: these are just proof of concepts.

Even the Java community is embracing scriting languages through the proposed Java specification request 223 (particularly PHP) but The $1 Million question today is whether or not Ruby on Rails will overtake PHP and/or Java.

Just for fun, see this picture and this video.

Have Fun!

Oracle Database at JavaOne

Hi,

For those attending JavaOne this year, i'll be available to talk Tuesday 05/8th (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm) and Wednesday 05/9th (2:00 to 4:30 pm ) at the Oracle Database demo pod within the Oracle quarter in the exhibition hall.
Stop by if you have interest or questions regarding Oracle JDBC, Java in the database, Oracle Database XE, and SQL Developer.
Fwiw, I'll be doing book signing Wed 05/9th at 4:30pm at the JavaOne book store.

See you