[xmonad] xmonad as an outsider

[Norbert Zeh]

Allen S. Rout [2011.11.14 1335 -0500]:
> On 11/10/2011 05:13 PM, Norbert Zeh wrote:
> 
> >Now, however, I appreciate the advantages that result from
> >implementing xmonad in Haskell and using the same language for its
> >configuration: I just slapped together a fairly complex new
> >extension module for xmonad, and it took me two evenings.
> 
> IMO, The problem is simply the learning curve to get started.  I've
> been failing to convince people to work with EMACS on that basis for
> decades.  The two cases actually have deep congrence: Complex and
> subtle applications with a minimal core, customized (and mostly
> composed) of functional-language forms on top of that core.

My colleagues always get amazed at what I use emacs for ;) The learning curve
was steep indeed, but now I wouldn't want to miss its power.  The same goes for
xmonad.

> No real barrier between a 'collection of tweaks' and a 'contrib
> module' and an 'extension'.

Indeed.  This is exactly where I think xmonad's strength lies: I have a
full-blown programming language at my disposal even in my configuration file.
This makes the possibilities to tweak it exactly how I want it limitless.  Once
my tweaks mature into something general that would be worthwhile to share with
the community, the fact that the language I implemented my tweaks in is exactly
the same the core and the contrib modules are written in makes turning my tweaks
into a contrib module so much easier.

Cheers,
Norbert