The Wine project for Linux has had the long-standing task of duplicating Windows API so that Windows programs could be run under Linux, in a way that isn’t technically an emulator so that there should be no speed loss. It’s open source, meaning many people (and tons do) can work on the development because the source code is right there for the taking. It’s released under the GNU LGPL, which means not only is it free, but it can even be used commercially. It’s a fascinating concept and an elusive dream.

How elusive? Well, after fifteen years of development, they only finally feel secure in calling their latest release version 1.0.

Yikes!

But really, is it actually ready for a 1.0 title? That part remains debatable. Even in their own words:

“To those of you whose favorite bug was not fixed, we offer our apologies; time was limited.

We expect to do a 1.0.1 release at some point (1-2 months?) with a few important and conservative bugfixes. ”

Or the much worse quote:

“1.0 bugs deferred to 1.0.1 since May 27th:

”

So it really sounds like a rush job to me. After fifteen years of development, you’d think another couple of months would be nothing to get the first official version right. You really shouldn’t go into an official release like that with known bugs. That’s just … lazy … bad form … ridiculous … and a perfect example of how piss poor things are done these days compared to the days of old.

Still, what can you really expect from an organization of developers that can’t even fix all of the 404 errors on their own webpage? Go ahead. Jump over to Wine HQ. See those navigational menus on the left? Click on the Support option under the Support section. Click on the Development option under the Development section. See my point?

I love the idea of Wine. Frankly, anything that can get us away from the Microsoft-centric world is a good thing. It’s just sad that after fifteen years of working on Wine, I’m still not convinced. Granted, a lot of the problem is that Microsoft not only doesn’t document their APIs well, but even intentionally hides some of them. And then you not only have to reproduce the Windows API, but you have to even reproduce it’s bugs so that everything works exactly the same. No doubt a daunting task.

And one which seems to still elude the Wine team.

Even though they’re claiming all is hunky-dory by releasing a version they call 1.0.

I love the concept. And I wish Wine and all of its developers the best. But I can’t say that I’m impressed. Not with the time and manpower put on it, to still release it at 1.0 with known bugs. Nothing is perfect, but when you know it’s broken you really shouldn’t push it as ready for prime time.

I’m sure Linux lovers the world over will be more than happy to rip me a new one for getting down on anything so … Linux. But it’s true. Developers should have standards. Call it version .999999. Just not 1.0. Not when you know it isn’t ready.

Still, eat, drink, and be merry. And while you’re at it, if you’re a Linux user, have a little Wine. It’s free!