Symbian to Open Source OPL

simpl3x writes "Symbian is apparently going to open source their Basic-like development language used on the Psion platform. Here is a link via the Register. Interesting things seem to be happening in the mobile space, and although Psion had some very nice technology, they never seemed to get anywhere in the U.S. Any comments on developing for Psion, or Symbian for that matter? I am interested in the development environments people prefer."

Comments

Re:delightful machines

[Malcolm Scott]

Hear, hear. The Series 5 was a great machine, and for me, the OPL language was one of its best points. The ability to quickly code something on-the-move is surprisingly useful.

Since Psion aren't actively developing OPL, I think that Symbian have done the Right Thing (tm) by open-sourcing it. That way, new life might come to those thousands of OPL programs Psion users have accumulated over the ages. Plus I think it's a great language for beginners - not as sloppy as BASIC, but almost as easy.

Will they get it?

[ciaran_o_riordan]

What are the chances they GPL the lot?

any guesses?
well, they're going to "Open Source" the software, and they are a "company", so my guess it they will invent their own stupid license and keep squashing down the corners until they can fit it past the OpenSourceInitiative license endorsment monkey.

Then they can join the ranks of the successful OpenSource companys, right up there with RealNetworks.

Heh heh, I rule.

Ciaran O'Riordan