Re: InfoHandler 9

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Note: This message is from the outliners.com archive kindly provided by Dave Winer.

Outliners.com Message ID: 3172

Posted by sub
2005-04-27 05:51:34

Kinook is correct in principle; the .NET framework adds another layer of coding between the software application and the PC’s processor. I have really lost count as I haven’t been involved in software engineering since the DOS days, but there should be about 6-7 such layers in Windows, not counting .NET. Each layer demands additional processing power hence slows down the overall performance.

This explains how a hand-coded application like Brainstorm can be lightning fast during a complicated task such as “Namesake (clone) hunting”. When one writes a paragraph and hits return, Brainstorm checks it against all previous entries to see if it’s identical to any other; if it is, it will mark it as a “Namesake”. Even in large databases, I have seen this happen virtually instantly.

However, a “prefabricated” environment such as .NET offers the advantage of optimised ready-made software building components. .NET is promoted mainly for security and reliability, but it could actually lead to performance improvement, particularly when bearing in mind that most smaller developers _do_not_ handcode or optimise their applications the way the Brainstorm team does.

I used to use Paradox for DOS and was very reluctant to move to Windows. Surprisingly, however, Paradox for Windows was indeed faster! New algorithms had been developed, optimised for the new platform. The end result was more effectiveness.

alx

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