ARE: [R-gui] Interfaces between GUIs and R

[Philippe Grosjean]

Byron Ellis wrote:
>My question: Is there any interest in developing a general kernel
>interaction protocol for R GUIs? This would most likely include the
>following:
>	* Representation of data objects
>	* Execution of R statements
>	* Returning graphics of the kernel link
>	* ???

... and in another message:
>I'd rather have something simple that works at first rather than
>something complex that never gets finished ;-)

It is exactly my point of view. That is the reason why I use --ess mode of R
today (because it works right now and it is simple). I have:

Today's SciViews R Plug:  frontend (GUI client) <-> R Plug (COM) <-> R
using --ess
And in the future:        frontend              <-> R Plug (COM) <-> R using
?OpenMath / MathLink / RSXMLObjects? with better integration between R and
the R Plug.

In other words, I am ready to use better technologies when they will be
available. The design of the SciViews R Plug, with an intermediary COM layer
allows me to concentrate on the GUI Client that "sees" only an (almost)
definitive COM interface, and it leaves me the opportunity to change the
internals of the R Plug, that is, to replace the simple but rudimental --ess
mode by something else when the technology will be there. Of course, I
encourage all developments and initiatives for enhancing connectivity of R.
However, I am also waiting for features that are not found commonly in most
current interfaces.

For instance, I am curious which interface allows interruptible calculation:
- --ess mode, using Ctrl-C, and consequently the current SciViews R Plug
does,
- and then ???

Best,

Philippe Grosjean

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( ( ( ( (       Dr. Philippe Grosjean
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( ( ( ( (
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