[dundee] Concurrent Programming on Linux

[Rick Moynihan]

2009/11/18 Gary Short <gary at garyshort.org>:
> Hello Rick,
>
> Thanks for this feedback, it's very helpful. I have a (I think) great idea
> for a Linux based network appliance and so I'm concerned more with taking
> advantage of the multi-cores on the appliance than I am with scaling up or
> out. Looks like I'll be taking a look at Clojure.
>
> Thanks again,
> Gary

Sounds interesting, though as I said it depends on what you want to
do....  Don't just assume that you need a "concurrent language"
because multi-core CPU's are around the corner...  For example if
you're making an appliance then unit cost of the hardware might be
more of a concern than performance and load handling...  for example
if it's some kind of personal server, then it's possibly idling most
of the time anyway.  Scaling down to the embedded end might be more
important and profitable than scaling up...

The good thing about Linux is the diversity and choice available...
And the fact that it scales down incredibly well... There are
libraries, servers and software for literally everything, many of
which have very low hardware requirements...  It's amazing the things
you can string together with little more than bash, cron and some kind
of network service.  Plus some of the new mini appliance hardware is
truly awesome if it's capable enough... e.g. the Sheeva plug:

http://www.marvell.com/products/embedded_processors/developer/kirkwood/sheevaplug.jsp

R.