[technology-pmc] GeoScript, Groovy and Antlr

[Jody Garnett <jody.garnett@xxxxxxxxx>]

So after a bit of research (see other email on Jiffle and Groovy) I decided to take a look at if we can get by with only the antlr-runtime jar?

Checking the dependency tree (here: http://udig.refractions.net/confluence/display/ADMIN/Dependencies) It looks like both groovy and jiffle are independent of the geotools version used, as such we should be able to upgrade them in isolation with relatively little risk to project stability.

I will contact Micheal Bedward about the jiffle dependency.

My understanding Groovy is used so we can make use of GeoScript.

Checking the groovy dependencies:

- http://mvnrepository.com/artifact/org.codehaus.groovy/groovy-all/1.8.8

<dependency>

<groupId>org.apache.ant</groupId>

<artifactId>ant-antlr</artifactId>

<version>1.8.3</version>

<scope>runtime</scope>

<optional>true</optional>

</dependency>

Depends on ant-antlr: http://mvnrepository.com/artifact/org.apache.ant/ant-antlr/1.8.3

<description>

antlr specific task. The implementation forks a java process, therefore the antlr jar file is only needed at runtime

</description>

...

<dependency>

<!--

add a dependency with antlr 2.7.2 consistent with libraries.properties antlr 2.7.6 is also available on ibiblio

-->

<groupId>antlr</groupId>

<artifactId>antlr</artifactId>

<version>2.7.2</version>

<optional>true</optional>

<scope>runtime</scope>

</dependency>

http://mvnrepository.com/artifact/antlr/antlr/2.7.2

So I am not sure what to make of that, I would of expected that Ant is only used during build, but it is marked as a runtime dependency. Looks like they fork of a java process to make use of the antlr tools. Perhaps to support the definition and use of domain specific language?

I think at this point we should talk to GeoScript (who is our contact?) and see how Groovy gets the job done.

If GeoScript can get its application in it would be great to have representation on the technology-pmc list - should I echo this email to the general locationtech-iwg email list?

-- 

Jody Garnett