Re: gEDA-user: Hierarchy viewer and database proposal

[John Doty <jpd@space.mit.edu>]

Carlos Nieves Onega <cnieves@iespana.es> wrote:

> > Why not just assume a default slotting (1 slot) if the attributes are 
> > missing.  In particular, there are applications where the concept of 
> > slots don't seem to apply, like in FPGA designs.
> 
> Because it's not automatically generated. You can place a 7400 without 
> defining (or forget defining) slot and numslots attributes, and I can't
> assume a 7400 has only 1 slot just because the user forgot to define the
> attributes properly.

Why not?

> 
> I think they are necessary attributes. If they don't apply, but they
> exist and are coherent, will they annoy the user?
> 

Well for the mixed signal stuff I do, few components are slotted, even
when I'm designing a PCB. Nothing is slotted when I'm preparing SPICE
input. Having to add numslots and slot to every component would be two
extra distractions for each symbol I create.

In addition, unnecesary attributes, even if nominally invisible, add to
the visual clutter. After all, sometimes you have to make them all visible
to find some unattached attribute you need to edit. This creates enough
fog even without unnecessary attributes.

What's wrong with a sensible default?

John Doty		"You can't confuse me, that's my job."
Home: jpd@w-d.org
Work: jpd@space.mit.edu