Re: How to Sell Perl 6

[toma]

The value of software is almost entirely based on future value. You could have the best language, but if it is not going to be upgraded, supported, and ported in the future, its value diminishes quickly and predictably to near zero.

The biggest problem was that early Perl 6 press made it look like Perl 5 was going to have a short future. This caused the value of Perl 5 to drop like a stone. I don't know if it has really recovered.

This rest of this reply is only about marketing, not truth or technical merit. Software marketing is often like that, in my experience. If lies bother you, perhaps you should skip it.

The best way to support Perl 6 is to be as enthusiastic as possible about improvements and the future of Perl 5. Explain how all Perl 5 the code will magically 'just work' in Perl 6, so that it doesn't matter which you use.

To increase sales further, emphasize the Perl 6 modules that bring Perl 6 capabilities to Perl 5. Leave the impression that most Perl 6 code will also 'just work' in Perl 5.

Other good claims for Perl 6 would be:

• The new logic capabilities will render most database products unnecessary.
• The instruction set will work on the next generation of quantum computers.
• ms is using it as their next generation replacement for .NET.
• The networking capabilities are so strong that it will cure all computer viruses.
• It will have an easy-to-use development environment that will enable creation of seamless bidirectional translators between all computerized data formats.

These are the types of claims made all the time by the competitors. It takes practice to say them with a straight face, try it!

For now, though, I agree with tilly, it is too early.