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Propeller Objects

LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
edited 2010-08-12 15:13 in Propeller 1
It would be nice if Parallax considered publishing a book of what it considers to be the core, classic objects.

There are times that I just want to sit down with the existing books, away from a computer and try to sort out what is possible in a creative way.

At this point, the OBEX has become vast and that is working against getting into it as a newcomer.

Comments

  • sylvie369sylvie369 Posts: 1,622
    edited 2010-08-09 04:51
    I agree. I find it a bit more difficult than is comfortable to find the object I'm looking for at times. Maybe a "start here" directory in the OBEX? Or just a document that gives the names of those "core" objects, so the users can just search them out by name?
  • Clock LoopClock Loop Posts: 2,069
    edited 2010-08-09 05:00
    Perhaps just a simple voting system that lets us users rate each object.

    Or the like.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2010-08-09 06:12
    There is a star system to rate the objects, but people aren't participating.

    I think I would prefer Parallax experts marking several levels.

    1. Archival (old rock solid standards)
    2. Ready to use (objects for applications that work and are reasonably complete)
    3. X as in Experimental (things not quite ready)

    Having said that, I did find a way to get at what I wanted to look at in the OBEX.

    First, I selected 100 entries to a page.
    Then, I prioritize by the number of downloads with the highest being first.

    There seems to be 500 objects or less. I can pretty much see what what I want is in the first 2 pages.

    And finally, if I really like something - I can prioritize by Author and go look at everything that author has done.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    But the bottom line is that Parallax claims to provide all this for the educational community.

    It seems that means that the business model should make it very easy for the rank beginner to explore the OBEX. As it is, it fails.

    Why so? Some objects seem to be under two or more headings. One doesn't easily get an overview of what exactly is available for a project. And one can get downright confused about what they are suppose to do. For example - H-Bridge code is definitely in two headings.

    I am sure you can find lots of examples. In other words, the 'fuzzy headings' make the beginner confused and feel dump. And of course, they have to go the the complete list and look through everything my some rather obscure names to make sure they haven't missed something.

    That is why i mentioned a book. The 'BasicStamp Manual' pretty much is the best example of what to do that I can come up with. As it has nearly a complete reference set within it.

    But with Propeller came SPIN and 'archival' objects should be part of the whole educational reference scheme.

    Right now, one has to jump into a tutorial rather than explore independently. And yet, a lot of us feel that we don't require the confines of a tutorial for our creative thinking.
  • Roger LeeRoger Lee Posts: 339
    edited 2010-08-09 06:21
    I agree there is a huge amount of information, hard to know where to start.

    OBEX is a valuable resource if you know what to use and how to find it.

    The OBEX (Object Exchange) has an underused rating and review option.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2010-08-09 08:50
    Well, there is a rather absurd trend in web pages to have everyone vote as a means of rating on just about anything. The results often occur by sentiment or having your friends boost your particular item.

    In this case, Parallax is the visionary and has the educators to review all. Rank beginners and new users are not good judges of what is going on.

    I did make a 3 tiered proposal above. But somebody with skill and experience needs to review objects and rank them. Relying on the web to do it for you is not going to attract new customers and loyal supports. That is asking the blind to lead the blind.

    You can only make a web site so robotic before it collapses under the burden of no real content.
  • Kevin WoodKevin Wood Posts: 1,266
    edited 2010-08-09 12:51
    Parallax should provide a standard library of objects that they support, including documentation.
  • potatoheadpotatohead Posts: 10,261
    edited 2010-08-09 13:14
    Actually, some people are participating. I've received a few nice notes, and suggestions for the objects I have in there.

    (video 8x8 text drivers)

    I'm working on those too, it was good feedback. To start on the task of promoting some for this purpose, which I think is a great idea, maybe we should have some object discussions.

    Pick a topic, like SD card, and let's hash out what's in there, and when using what is in there is indicated. With SD, we've got the kitchen sink (thanks Kye), all the way down to a simple, "it works, and it's just SPIN". (thanks Andre')

    I suspect that discussion would produce a reference that would be valuable. I know it would for me. It's hard to know what the killer objects are, or the good use cases.
  • ratronicratronic Posts: 1,451
    edited 2010-08-09 13:19
    I've always considered the objects that come with the propeller tool to be the 'core' objects approved by parallax. The object exchange is just extra goodies.
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2010-08-09 13:40
    I would like to see the OBEX expanded with some simple examples for each. Often, the code is lacking in complete comments and it's difficult to know what the programmer was thinking or doing. Several good working examples at hand can save many hours of "trying to get it working." Obviously the masters of these programs have everything working, so why not include a very simple demo with each? A contact to the author would be vital, to ask questions and gain insight. Also I would like to see more detail referenced, such as a post in the Forum, specifically about the object. I have seen several objects that I want to use but don't have the op resources to properly implement it. Truly, a genius implemented the OBEX system and why not make a few minor improvements?

    Humanoido
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2010-08-09 20:30
    Good suggestions. I am just commenting to bump the topic back up. Eventually Parallax will take a good look at it.

    Right now, the OBEX seems to have grown a bit too fast and is leaving some of us behind. I am sure once Parallax sees the value in improving its format, something will happen.
  • GranzGranz Posts: 179
    edited 2010-08-12 14:37
    I would like to include my vote for both a "beginners" list (as well as intermediate and advanced) and also better documentation. Although, I really can't complain as I have not, yet, added anything to the OBEX :(

    Art
  • ihmechihmech Posts: 179
    edited 2010-08-12 15:13
    I am just getting into the propeller, 1.5 months in so far. I looked around on OBEX and was totally overwelmed. I had no idea how to find anything. I have been looking at the objects included with the prop tool and they have been a good help to me. But I would like to see a book that breaks down the core objects and explains how they work, kinda like the What's a Microcontroller series. I have all of the prop books but the hydra book. I have been working through the books and have been learning a lot. But some things are over my head, but I'm learning.
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