kicad-developers team mailing list archive

[Martijn Kuipers <martijn.kuipers@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Mar 27, 2012, at 12:22 PM, Edwin van den Oetelaar wrote:

> First: Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.
> 
> For now I just want to get to know the project by fixing some bugs
> that nobody got time for. (or some feature you think most important)
> 
> As a vision I see more of the project rewritten in a
> python/WxPython/Cython (not SWIG, sorry folks)

Note: I don't know anything about Cython but a quick google.

I think not many devs on the list share your vision. There is some scripting work being done, 
but that  is scripting inside KiCad and not KiCad inside scripting.

I also think a major rewrite of KiCad to Python/C#/QT4/Whatever, is not something that will benefit the project (my opinion).

There are still many things that could be done in Python/wxPython/Cython, but I foresee those as small addon programs to 
KiCad and not the other way around. Things like importer/exporter/gcode creator/etc.


/Martijn

> This will make the whole system very flexible (while running) without
> need of re-compiles. Many things (including GUI and import/export) can
> benefit from a high-level approach with code-development in advanced
> editors/interactive shells (like Pycharm, DreamPie) The introspection
> (also of code written in Cython) will bring new levels of productivity
> and performance (and development speed) never seen before. (not in
> Eagle, not in any of the commercial software I worked with and (got)
> payed for)
> The reason that this will work with KiCAD and not with the other
> projects is that KiCAD is open and the rest of the world is not,
> everyone is 'protecting their investment' by keeping things closed and
> charging insane amounts of money for minor updates (which are released
> as new major versions, so get your wallet ready).
> In about 2 years KiCAD will have taken over in number of features,
> means of workflow-management and integration with other software.
> Some things that will make an impact : integration/import of
> mechanical drawings/footprints from others. Editing/routing with
> 'inference engine' in a sketch-up way. (showing alternatives in
> real-time, smart align and snapping)
> 
> What do you dream about?
> 
> Have a good day,
> Edwin
> 
> 
> 
> On Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 12:21 PM, Fabrizio Tappero
> <fabrizio.tappero@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> Welcome Edwin,
>> 
>> great to hear that you want to help. You will have plenty of chances
>> to do so. What is that interests you?
>> 
>> cheers
>> fabrizio
>> 
>> 
>> On Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 12:12 PM, Martijn Kuipers
>> <martijn.kuipers@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>> Hello Edwin,
>>> 
>>> You had the first step right. Joining this mailing-list is the right place to start helping KiCad.
>>> We have a few very core contributors (I am not one of them), who are improving KiCad in a rapid pace.
>>> 
>>> As a matter of fact, the improvements through the last year of KiCad have been amazing thanks to them.
>>> 
>>> Just for the interest, what would be your platform of choice you use KiCad on? Windows/Linux/Mac/Other?
>>> 
>>> Eeschema has undergone a major change in the format of its libraries, based on s-expressions, which I think is one of
>>> the best changes that happened, even though it does not directly improve the user-experience. So if you are thinking of
>>> things related to schema-import from other programs (Eagle v6 for example), you best look at the new format.
>>> 
>>> Other than that, I would suggest to work on some of the things you want to see improved: That gives you the best motivation.
>>> 
>>> Like other open source, you will need a sponsor for committing things. Let me advise you on some things to take care of:
>>> - read and follow coding-style;
>>> - explain what you want to achieve and how to achieve it. The list is pretty responsive
>>> - Make piece-wise patches, don't expect a large patch to be applied, as it is difficult to check.
>>> 
>>> KiCad is a very large code, so the core-devs are very keen on keeping the code maintainable.
>>> 
>>> Met vriendelijke groeten/Warm regards,
>>> Martijn
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Mar 27, 2012, at 10:56 AM, Edwin van den Oetelaar wrote:
>>> 
>>>> Hello everyone,
>>>> My name is Edwin, I have some motivation and skill to help with your project.
>>>> Although I am not very old yet, I do have some deep knowledge of
>>>> PCB's, data-formats, workflow and related software.
>>>> (I have been working in this field for more than 15 years)
>>>> 
>>>> I can program in almost anything, and have some visions on how to make
>>>> this project even better.
>>>> 
>>>> Just throw me a bone (a few bugs to get my teeth into) so I can chew
>>>> on it, and help you.
>>>> I am a bit confused about how this is coordinated, I see so many
>>>> websites (sourceforge/lauchpad/yahoo, some French stuff)
>>>> Just point me in the right direction.
>>>> 
>>>> Keep it going, and have a happy day,
>>>> 
>>>> Edwin
>>>> 
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>>> 
>>> 
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