Re: [RE: emc really needs a copyleft cad/cam package]

[Paul Corner <paul.corner-at-tesco.net>]

As a front-end to write the UI in, Tcl/tk is probably the only real multi
platform language. But it can be dreadfully slow when it comes to doing any
maths intensive routines. The advantage of Tcl/tk is the ability to code new
functions and rewrite old ones in another language.

For Graphical Interfaces and basic data processing - simple sort, string
matching, integer maths - Use Tcl/tk.
If it involves floating point maths or large data sets - Use something that
avoids the tcl overheads.

Regards, Paul.

 

On Sun, 19 Nov 2000, Matt Shaver wrote:
>     2. DXF file computability:
>       a. This is to ensure connectability to the outside world. People
> with existing cad files can get that geometry into our system to use in
> making g-code programs.

>     3. TK:
>       a. Pros:
>         i. It's popular, and used as the basis of tkEMC and the
> backplotter (we have existing talent on our "staff").
> 
>         ii. Both the X11 and Windows versions have completely
> non-restrictive licensing (good enough for Debian, good enough for me).
> 
>         iii. Can be used with TCL, C, PERL, Python, SCHEME, and probably
> others I don't know of.