gEDA-dev: Introducing myself

[Peter TB Brett]

On Monday 24 March 2008 05:47:50 al davis wrote:

> With this in mind, I think the translators are the highest
> priority.  The need to hack files to move between our own tools
> is a big turn-off.  An overall project manager is important
> too, but experienced users don't mind (or actually like)
> separate tools.  A GUI won't do any good if the file
> translation isn't complete.  We should be able to use the same
> schematic for simulation and PC board.

Hi Al,

I find this comment a little disingenuous, and I actually disagree.

- We already have a translator program, albeit one-way: it's called gnetlist. 
  I don't think it unreasonable -- no, I think it *entirely* reasonable -- for
  someone whose primary focus is the project management to merely rely on
  gnetlist for design translation. [1]

- Using the same schematic for simulation & PCB production currently will 
  require changes to *every* simulation & PCB gnetlist backend. [2]

- This seems to me to look like a not-so-blatant push to get potential
  students to help you write the direct gEDA schematic importer for gnucap. 
  So why not just say that then?

Peter


[1] Although the ability to use programs *other* than gnetlist to translate 
designs (and to customise gnetlist parameters for each translation) would be 
a priority from my POV.

[2] Specifically: gnetlist backends would need to be able to set a filter on 
the nets & components they see.  It would be good to be able to specify 
additional filters on the command-line, too.  And you'd have to work out how 
to: do this in a way such that parts can be on either PCB or simulation or 
both; and avoid breaking existing symbol libraries.  This would be a decent 
couple of weeks work *at least*.


-- 
Peter Brett

Electronic Systems Engineer
Integral Informatics Ltd
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