Bootstrap: Creating Minimal Images from Scratch by Juan Vuletich

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of creating minimal Smalltalk images from scratch using the Bootstrap tool, as demonstrated by Juan Vuletich. This method is particularly relevant for developers interested in building custom Smalltalk environments and understanding the evolution of Smalltalk from its earlier versions.

Step 1: Understanding Bootstrap

• Bootstrap is a tool designed to create minimal Smalltalk images.
• It allows developers to start with a clean slate and build their Smalltalk environment from the ground up.
• Familiarize yourself with the history of Smalltalk, especially Smalltalk-76 and Smalltalk-80, as these influence the current implementations.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Environment

• Install the necessary Smalltalk environment on your machine.
• Ensure you have the latest version of Bootstrap. You can download it from the official repository.
• If you are new to Smalltalk, consider using an integrated development environment (IDE) like Pharo or Cuis.

Step 3: Creating a Minimal Image

• Launch the Bootstrap tool.
• Follow these steps to create your minimal image:
  1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
  2. Navigate to the directory where Bootstrap is installed.
  3. Run the following command to generate a new image:

     bootstrap newImageName
     

  4. Replace newImageName with your desired image name.

Step 4: Customizing the Image

• After creating the minimal image, you can customize it by adding packages or features.
• Use the following steps:
  1. Load additional Smalltalk packages as needed.
  2. Test each new addition to ensure compatibility with your minimal image.
  3. Document your changes for future reference.

Step 5: Saving Your Work

• Regularly save your image to avoid losing progress.
• Use the command:

  bootstrap saveCurrentImage
  

• Consider creating backups of your images to maintain version control.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered the essentials of creating minimal Smalltalk images using the Bootstrap tool. You learned about setting up your environment, creating a new image, customizing it, and saving your work. As next steps, consider exploring additional Smalltalk packages or participating in forums to share your experience and learn from others in the Smalltalk community. Happy coding!