Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!think.com!spool.mu.edu!agate!ziploc!eps
From: eps@toaster.SFSU.EDU (Eric P. Scott)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next
Subject: Re: UI idea...comments, anyone?
Message-ID: <1643@toaster.SFSU.EDU>
Date: 3 Jun 91 06:47:47 GMT
Article-I.D.: toaster.1643
References: <1991Jun2.203311.19795@fcom.cc.utah.edu> <1991Jun3.035743.28221@math.ucla.edu>
Reply-To: eps@cs.SFSU.EDU (Eric P. Scott)
Organization: San Francisco State University
Lines: 16

I believe that any attempt to eliminate CLIs is barking up the
wrong tree.  Often, a shell *is* the best tool for the job, and
there's a lot to be said for the UNIX "tools" philosophy--build
small modules that do one thing (or a few things) well, rather
than construct behemoth "integrated applications" with slick
GUI interfaces but limited capability.  It's this idea that
leads to the concept of "reusable code" as exemplified by the
NextStep Application Kit.  What you're proposing is a throwback
to the dark ages.  (Dark BLUE ages.)

We should be looking for ways to make the machine more
functional, not less.  If the NeXT ends up as crippled as the
Macintoy, I'm going to look for another platform...
-- 
"Some people like working with a mouse, and some people think
they're vermin" --a particularly well-known Apple Tech Writer