Hi Giacomo > Well, the intent of Stefanos RT about blocks was that even > such "modules" > would be implemented as Blocks because the provide specialized > functionallity
Oh good ... that's what I thought :-) But the main point I wanted to discuss (when I forked this thread) was only a MINOR, non-technical point about terminology. Unfortunately I messed up by controversially linking modules and blocks in the same message ;-) The word "block". It's a MINOR matter, for sure, but I think it's worth discussing what "block" etc means to different people, and the relationship with other Cocoon words (such as "pipeline"). The content of the "Block" idea is good, but a different name would be a help, IMHO, especially for Cocoon newbies. So long as blocks are still vapourware we can potentially change the terminology, but once blocks are REAL it will be almost impossible to change it. I don't want to distract from the actual hard work of implementing blocks, etc, so if you're not interested in the terminology itself, please don't be offended by me bringing up this trivial matter - just ignore me ;-) I've got 4 issues with the word "block": 1) Inactive This is my main problem with the word. In common English usage a block is USUALLY just a rectangular lump of something solid, often a support for something (a platform or stand), but it can be a synonym for brick. A platform (or a brick) is a unit of construction, so this is good, but it doesn't imply *action* - it can imply construction, but construction of something static like a wall. Is there a metaphor which implies construction of something *active*? A system or engine or mechanism? "Cog", for instance? http://www.dictionary.com/search?q=cog&db=* Cog n. One of a series of teeth, as on the rim of a wheel or gear, whose engagement transmits successive motive force to a corresponding wheel or gear. A cogwheel. A subordinate member of an organization who performs necessary but usually minor or routine functions. Bertrand Delacretz's example has blocks implementing "behaviour", which is more compatible with "active" words such as "server", "agent", "actor" etc, though these words are obviously no good. "Performer"? "Operator"? "Employee"? "Instrument"? 2) Overloaded Dictionary.com lists at least 19 meanings http://www.dictionary.com/search?q=block&db=* - some are actually very good, but some are not. But any word with so many meanings is going to sound vague. The good meanings include "engine block", "A pulley or a system of pulleys set in a casing", "A length of railroad track controlled by signals", "One of a set of small wooden or plastic pieces, such as a cube, bar, or cylinder, used as a building toy". I can see why Stefano (?) chose the word. But there are some negative connotations, too, such as an "obstacle" or "hindrance", and "an obstruction in a pipe or tube". A "block" can also mean a template, for printing, or for moulding. These last are not very common usages of "block", but they're potentially confusing IMHO. 3) Incompatible with "pipeline" Bricks are not made of pipes ;-) We should have a network of pipelines, or a little engine, or something ... I don't know. What about "organ"? maybe "organ" sounds a bit weird, but it is a good match: Organ n. Music. An instrument consisting of a number of pipes that sound tones when supplied with air and a keyboard that operates a mechanism controlling the flow of air to the pipes. Also called pipe organ. Any one of various other instruments, such as the electronic organ, that resemble a pipe organ either in mechanism or sound. Biology. A differentiated part of an organism, such as an eye, wing, or leaf, that performs a specific function. An instrument or agency dedicated to the performance of specified functions: The FBI is an organ of the Justice Department. An instrument or a means of communication, especially a periodical issued by a political party, business firm, or other group. --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
