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Because of some of the more recent advancements in software which utilizes
the .dat file, I have been thinking about what LDraw *is*. I think we
should firmly establish what LDraw is if there are going to [and there
will] be more advancements in software and editors for the .dat file format.
LDraw originated as James' software package, with LDraw, LEdit, and the
parts libraries. But does it continue to remain just that? It seems now
that the word 'LDraw' is used to identify a broad range of programs which
use James' .dat file format and parts libraries, and is no longer limited
to his original package. I think it prudent to define and publish the
meaning of the word 'LDraw' when used on its own so it does not become a
generic term like 'Xerox,' 'Kleenex,' or 'Coke.'
Should 'LDraw' refer to James' original package only? Or should it include
new editors like LeoCad, MLCad, etc... which all use James' files for their
parts? How should ldraw.org represent these other editors? How should
ldraw.org and other websites refer to the word 'LDraw?'
If LDraw is to mean only James' original software package, how should we
refer to the other editors so it identifies them with the dat file
format? Should they be identified with that?
Another question: Because of the ambiguity of the .dat file extension on
computer systems, should we develop a new file extension that newer editors
can use? I realize this might be a controversial question because of
nostalgia and tradition, but it needs to be asked. If newer editors
defaulted towards a .ldr (LDraw) file format, but also could read from and
write to .dat files, would this be acceptable?
Please reply with thoughts.
-Tim Courtney
ldraw.org Project Coordinator
http://www.ldraw.org
http://www.zacktron.com
AIM: timcourtne
ICQ: 23951114
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Message has 7 Replies:
 | | Re: What is 'LDraw?'
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| Hi Tim! Tim Courtney <tim@zacktron.com> wrote in message news:4.2.0.58.199912...omm.com... (...) format. (...) include (...) their (...) LDraw is James' software package. It will always be that. It's like 3D Studio Max or Adobe Photoshop, they have (...) (25 years ago, 9-Dec-99, to lugnet.cad, lugnet.cad.dev, lugnet.cad.dev.org.ldraw)
| | | Re: What is 'LDraw?'
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| (...) Hi Adam! (...) Right. (...) We could keep the parts .dat and make new models .ldr (or .ldm - LDraw Model), or we could also change parts to .ldp (LDraw Part), just to distinguish the difference. (...) Yeah, I'd really like to see LDraw II come (...) (25 years ago, 9-Dec-99, to lugnet.cad, lugnet.cad.dev, lugnet.cad.dev.org.ldraw)
| | | Re: What is 'LDraw?'
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| LDraw is the original program that writes (one form of)* .dat files. All the other programs that write this type of .dat file are 'LDraw compatibles'. How's that? * i believe .dat is a fairly common extension used for lots of stuff. John Matthews (25 years ago, 9-Dec-99, to lugnet.cad, lugnet.cad.dev, lugnet.cad.dev.org.ldraw)
| | | Re: What is 'LDraw?'
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| (...) Yes. (...) Try using terms like: LDraw -- a (mostly historical) software package for creating LEGO-type models on your computer. ldraw.org -- the group formerly known as the L-CAD mailing list. A (very) loosely organized group of people, (...) (25 years ago, 9-Dec-99, to lugnet.cad, lugnet.cad.dev, lugnet.cad.dev.org.ldraw)
| | | Re: What is 'LDraw?'
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| (...) Yes. (...) Personally, I think the term 'ldraw.org' refers to the actual website. The group of people could remain 'L-CAD' if desired, or 'The LDraw Organization,' or something completely different. On the site, I refer to ldraw.org as the (...) (25 years ago, 10-Dec-99, to lugnet.cad, lugnet.cad.dev, lugnet.cad.dev.org.ldraw)
| | | Re: What is 'LDraw?'
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| Tim Courtney wrote: <Good questions. Which I snipped.> In my opinion: A name is needed to identify the concept of "formated to be compatible with LDraw and LEdit, as extended". This name needs to be separate from the concept of "the LDraw suite of (...) (25 years ago, 10-Dec-99, to lugnet.cad, lugnet.cad.dev, lugnet.cad.dev.org.ldraw)
| | | Re: What is 'LDraw?'
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| (...) Correct. I like the phrase 'The LDraw System' identifying the original .dat format and the programs which use the 'System.' [1] (...) Obviously .dat files have become integrated with part files. I like .ldr or .ldm for 'LDraw Model.' .mpl for (...) (25 years ago, 10-Dec-99, to lugnet.cad, lugnet.cad.dev, lugnet.cad.dev.org.ldraw)
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