gEDA-dev: Project Manager

[Stuart Brorson]

>>> Just curious, but how many people use xgsch2pcb presently?  I am
>>> interested in hearing your reasons for either using it or not using
>>> it.
>>
>> Just adding a graphic wrapper around one tool doesn't give me anything.
>> By adding a few buttons to push, usually in a routine, it makes the
>> interface worse.  This is what I mean by "kick me".  I need to kick it
>> to keep it going.

[snip!]

> You clearly haven't used xgsch2pcb, have you?

I think the lesson to be drawn here is that experienced users prefer
the unix command line.  However, they are not the target users for
xgsch2pcb.  xgsch2pcb is for newbies, who need the buttons in order to
know what to do next.

> With a Makefile, in order to update your PCB, you have to:
> - Save in gschem
> - Switch to PCB
> - Save in PCB
> - Switch to a terminal
> - Run make
> - Switch to PCB
> - Revert to saved in PCB
> - Load new components to buffer
> - Place new component buffer
> - Execute command file
>
> With xgsch2pcb, in order to update your PCB, you have to:
> - Save in gschem
> - Switch to xgsch2pcb
> - xgsch2pcb will detect the change and ask you if you want to update your PCB,
>  so click "Update"
> - Switch to PCB
>
> In my experience, xgsch2pcb has significant *advantages* in terms of "kick
> me".

I agree with Peter B here.  This is the right behavior, particularly
for a newbie who hasn't yet learned all the magic incantations
necessary to drive gEDA.

The point behind xgsch2pcb is that it is a layer *on top* of the
underlying unix stuff.  Power users who like the command line and
Makefiles will keep their Makefiles, while newbies who are uncertain
of how do design a circuit will have a friendly environment which
more-or-less reminds them of what to do next.

Over time, the newbies will learn how to step outside of the project
manager to achieve more powerful actions.  Consider the project
manager like training wheels on a bike.  Useful while learning to
ride, but then annoying to somebody who has already learned.  That's
why they are easily removable.....

Stuart