RE: tabs

From: [at]} <skulski{>
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2004 15:29:00 -0500 (EST)

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Robert wrote:

> Out, StdLog, LibFmtrs
>
> Out is basically a 'Toy' module. By all means play with it for 5 minutes,
> then move on. The Oms documentation says it is not recommended for use.

If a toy is convenient then it could have been made more useful. There
is no strong reason to conform to the original Oberon System anymore.
I have not seen many Ceres computers on sale lately.

Modules In, Out, and XYplane could be more than toys, in a system
which lacks entry-level user I/O and graphics. These modules could
serve this role.

> StdLog is a bigger and better toy, but still a toy. As the Docu says
> "Typically ... only used during development, not for end user
> environments".

Here the OuS show no practical insight into the process of exploratory
software development. In such a case development tools remain end-user
tools. BlackBox is a terrific system for exploratory development and
for prototyping, as stated in the BB description from the OuS website
"for the rapid development of component-oriented software". One can also
read in the description of the Chill software by R.Campbell that Component
Pascal is meant for prototyping. I agree with Robert. Prototyping
and rapid development are the main strength of this system. It would be
good if OuS had understood the impact of their own work and made a
concerted effort to focus BB more in the direction where it is the
strongest. BB could have no competition.

A practical example is provided by StdLog documentation:

   PROCEDURE NewView (): TextViews.View
   Used internally.

What does this mean? I am guessing StdLog output can be redirected to
another window. This would make StdLog a very useful TOOL rather than
a toy. However, the authors did not bother to think this through, and
thus the potential of this tool is not realized. This is sort of typical
for BlackBox. In many places it is "almost there", and it would have been
there if the authors made a few small enhancements that are sort of
obvious. Also, the phrase "used internally" should not be there in
a well designed system. Either release completely and document
completely, or hide it completely by encapsulation.

> Using the Text subsytem directly is the most efficient and flexible
> approach, but not the easiest or most convenient.

This is a very kind understatement... How about "user hostile"?

> Can I suggest people look at LibFmtrs as a compromise.

Allright, let me stop chilling and start cheering. I am starting
a project this week where I will put your Lib to a test. The
world's most powerful laser will depend on your software...
If it crashes then we will burn a hole right through the lab building.
I am now getting a chance to do more than just a few demo screenshots.
(And watch out for that laser beam coming towards you ;-)

Are you coming to CERN for the Oberon Day? I regret I cannot come,
but I will send a few slides (or the laser beam...).

Cheers,
W.
--------------------------------------------

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Received on Thu Feb 05 2004 - 21:29:00 UTC

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