Hypercard scripting like Python

[Brian Kennison]

abulka at netspace.net.au wrote:


: My questions are:

:  1. Where does Python fit into the history of scripting languages. How 
: important is it in grand scheme of things, and specifically in the context of 
: the scripting 'movement'?  I mean, is Python state of the art in the scripting 
: world - something that history will look upon with fondness, the way we look 
: upon Smalltalk with a certain fondness? 

:  2. Can anybody tell me who begat Toolbook/Openscript/Hypercard/Metacard - were 
: these just variations of well known established scripting systems from the 
: 50's - or was there new innovation involved there.  Perhaps the merging of an 
: easy GUI metpahor with scripting was their contribution... Thoughts?


While Bill Atkinson is credited as the creator of "HyperCard" it was
Dan Winkler who created the "HyperTalk" language. Most other systems
that you mentioned use an "xTalk" language and are derivatives of HyperTalk.

In 1984 when the Mac came out it was the first "popular" graphical
computing environment. HyperCard is designed to allow the average
user access to this rich graphical environment. 


Brian Kennison
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