Chris R Chapman wrote:
> I've communicated with Charles directly and understand what he needs-- and
> his frustration.
So have I, and I'm still not sure what he needs that isn't provided already.
> Technically, yes, but that's just for the XCP message itself. Charles is
> driving at what happens _before_ the XCP is sent, ie the handshaking and
> preamble messages as per Appendix C. These aren't provided in the API as
> examples-- however, if you're comfortable with PERL, these can be easily
> discerned from the API instructions.
True, but *they* are given as examples in the API, but not in the
Appendix. CHECK_VERSION is in chapter 8.10, and AUTHENTICATE_USER is 8.4.
> You're right, you are paranoid. As per the latter, the API manual is, to be
> blunt, a work in progress. There are numerous errors and omissions, and if
> I ever wrote something like that for a client, I'd lose my advance and have
> to re-write it on my own dime. While not a concern for Charles, I hasten to
> add that the quality of the PERL scripts also leaves a hell of a lot to be
> desired.
I agree, the API manual could use some tweaking (in fact, I suggested a
tweak just the other day). But of all the projects I've ever worked on,
I have to say that OpenSRS's documentation is *far* better than most.
>>started ... especially if you've been "programming micro compunters
>>since [you] purchased a
>>TRS-80 back in 1976".
>
> Condescension isn't necessary here-- Charles is just trying to make the
> point that he's not a complete neophyte. His frustration is one I share
> about the API documentation-- it is poorly written with spotty examples, and
> if you're not completely comfortable with PERL, you're SOL.
I wasn't being condescending (not intentionally). My point was that, if
he isn't a complete neophyte, then he should have more than enough
information at his fingertips to figure things out.
Again, I think the API is written well enough and the examples are more
than sufficient. We just have to agree to disagree on that.
I would rather chew off my leg than look at Perl code. But I did, and
coded the PHP class. So it can be done, and I am far from an expert
programmer. Heck, I only started using TRS-80's in 1986! :)
> Give the guy a break! All of us have been at the bottom end of a learning
> curve at one time or another, and will probably continue to be throughout
> our careers.
The difference, as I see it, is some of us are willing to put in the
effort to at least try and climb up the curve, whereas others would
rather be carried.
- Colin
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