The Unix Executable as a Smalltalk Method - And Its Implications for Unix-Smalltalk Unification

Explore a novel theoretical framework that bridges Unix and Smalltalk programming paradigms through a 51-minute conference presentation from Onward! 2025. Discover how identifying Unix executables with Smalltalk methods creates an innovative approach to unifying these seemingly disparate systems while preserving the advantages of both. Learn about the conceptual similarities between Unix and Smalltalk despite their technical differences, and examine how this identification leads to a filesystem-based Smalltalk VM implementation. Investigate the practical challenges posed by Unix process overhead and explore potential solutions for realizing Smalltalk's benefits within Unix environments without isolating them in sealed images and virtual machines. Gain insights into advanced programming language theory, system design, and the potential for creating hybrid computing environments that leverage the strengths of both paradigms.