Re: gEDA-dev: Diode symbols in GSchem and PCB

[Stuart Brorson <sdb-at-NOSPAMcloud9_dot_net>]

On Tue, 12 Dec 2006, Peter Clifton wrote:
> On Tue, 2006-12-12 at 11:50 -0500, Stuart Brorson wrote:
>>> This works because there's a huge database mapping the symbols,
>>> footprints, and part numbers to each other.  We don't have that.
>
> But we could put in place the architecture to allow the mapping. I don't
> propose we have a "database" as in PostgreSQL or anything just yet, but
> the logical mapping between symbolic connection names, and footprint
> pins should be possible.

Just MHO.  It sounds reasonable to just put in teh hooks for the
mapping, as you suggest.  However, in my opinion this soaks developer
time away from what I would suggest is the better/cleaner approach:
To enable pin attrib promotion into the schematic followed by
finishing up the pin attrib editing feature in gattrib.

That being said, I cannot -- and certainly don't want to -- dictate what
features go into gEDA.  I do have a preference, however, and that is
that gEDA remain stripped down and simple so that support is easy.
Creating a level of indirection between teh symbol file and teh
footprint provides an additional place for users to make mistakes, and
can lead to support issues which will end upon the mailing lists.

Another point is this:  We generally favor light symbols in gEDA since
it places the burden of symbol maintainence on the user.  I agree that
some regard it as a PITA to mantain their own symbols, but
realistically it is a minor burden which one must shoulder with all EDA
packages.

Nonetheless, for those people who absolutely insist upon using
pre-made heavy symbols there are two options:

For students, I suggest that the prof teaching the source could put
together a CD with all necessary footprints and symbols.  You guys at
Cambridge already have a teaching CD; when Peter Long brought up the 
subject of gEDA's disorganized symbol libraries during his MIT visit,
we politely suggested that he should just roll his own.   Your CD is
the place to put a special Cambridge Univ symbol and footprint
library.

For professionals, I suggest they stop whining and purchase a complete
set of symbols and footprints from some future vendor advertising on
gedaconsultants.com.   One of the frequent contributors to this e-mail
list at one time said that he was going to try to sell his parts
library as a commercial product.  Although he apparently never did,
this is exactly the kind of commercial activity which I would
encourage to take place on gedaconsultants.com!

Stuart


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