Re: gEDA-user: PCB: Stale rat's nest?

[sdb@xxxxxxxxxx (Stuart Brorson)]

> > Perhaps it would be a good idea to show the user normal everyday words in
> > stead of 'refdes' and 'slot' and whatever else.  It makes a lot more sens=
> e at
> > first, and seems less daunting.  When I'm confronted with weird terms lik=
> e
> > these, I think "Huh?  What does this mean?  This is too complicated for m=
> e."
> 
> I disagree that the terminology should be changed to more common
> words.  In any profession a series of terms evolves that allows
> succinct and accurate communication. Learning the terminology is a
> necessary step to proficiency.

Yeah, I agree with this.  PCB design has its own terminology, like any
other speciality field.  People need to learn the terminology to use
the tools.

> To reduce the learning curve there should be some sort of help menu
> item that will access terms and definitions. If gaf has terms that are
> different from standard industry terms (I am not sure if does) we
> probably should change them.

This is a good idea for the wiki:  A glossary of terms such as "refdes",
"slot", "footprint", and so on.  Of course, this doesn't help the
newbies who don't read the documentation . . . . . 

Stuart