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In lugnet.cad.dev.org.ldraw, Tim Courtney wrote:
> LDraw originated as James' software package, with LDraw, LEdit, and the
> parts libraries. But does it continue to remain just that?
Yes.
> 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.
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, working to enhance and evangelize LDraw and
its parts library.
Official ldraw.org Parts Updates -- collections of part files for LDraw, which
have been reviewed and analyzed before release upon an unsuspecting net.
LDraw Parts Library -- includes both files from LDraw and OLPU's.
LDraw Compatible Program -- program which works with or on LDraw files.
> 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.'
I know what you mean--in our house, we regularly use LDraw as a verb: "I've got
to ldraw that model before I take it apart.", "I haven't ldrawn that one yet.",
etc. These days, we're usually using MLCad for editing and displaying models,
but the process is still "ldrawing".
> Should 'LDraw' refer to James' original package only?
Yes. If you say, "This is LDraw", then you are refering to James software
package. Sometimes, it just means the ldraw.exe rendering program.
I could understand the argument for lumping the entire parts library (James'
files, plus the ldraw.org updates) with the original software, and calling it
all "LDraw". But not other software.
Similarly, Lars' mklist.exe is soon going to be part of LDraw, when Terry
finishes repackaging the ldraw.exe distribution/installation file (speaking of a
file which needs a different name...)
> Or should it include
> new editors like LeoCad, MLCad, etc... which all use James' files for their
> parts?
No, those are separate pieces of software. "LDraw Compatible Programs".
> How should ldraw.org represent these other editors?
Provide information and links.
> How should
> ldraw.org and other websites refer to the word 'LDraw?'
With extreme reverence. ;)
> 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?
People are free to use whatever file extension they want. LDraw doesn't care.
Our hands are fairly tied with respect to the parts library. LDraw (and more to
the point, LEdit) are very unlikely to be changed, so the parts need to stay the
same.
> 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.
My thought is that a new model-file extension would be a good idea, but is it
really necessary to encode it in the ldraw.org pages? All the website can do is
evangelize and bless a new standard. It can't make any programmers change their
programs to match.
Speaking of the website, one thing www.ldraw.org really needs is a more complete
list of the various pieces of software available.
Steve
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Message has 2 Replies:
 | | Re: What is 'LDraw?'
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| (...) Does it really? I thought it all came from the parts.lst file and the program referenced that. Or...is it because that's what the program starts up with? -Tim (URL) timcourtne ICQ: 23951114 If you don't believe in Gosh, you'll go to Heck, (...) (25 years ago, 9-Dec-99, to lugnet.cad, lugnet.cad.dev, lugnet.cad.dev.org.ldraw)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | What is 'LDraw?'
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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 (...) (25 years ago, 8-Dec-99, to lugnet.cad, lugnet.cad.dev, lugnet.cad.dev.org.ldraw)
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