On 8/23/2012 3:07 AM, Michael Haberler wrote: > As for dicing and slicing the codebase, I would think this wouldnt just be > beneficial for the issue at hand, but also for spelling out the dependencies > clearly, and 'selling' parts of LinuxCNC to other users, increasing use and > community reach. For example, spinning out the HAL, RTAPI, component > infrastructure, component compiler, and maybe the generic interface part to a > new messaging scheme would be a boon to folks doing embedded outboard > devices. Right now that is tightly integrated into the code base so few > people stumble upon the fact that RTAPI/HAL is a very generic vehicle (which > is in fact very well designed, kudos). Even I would need some time separating > it out and make sure the recombined projects dont fall on their face.
Michael: I believe embarking on a restructuring process is justified on technical grounds alone and I support the idea. On the other hand, the "selling and spinning out" part of this paragraph reflects sentiments I've seen in several other messages on our lists and it concerns me. While there's nothing wrong with "unlocking value," as the financial markets like to put it, I hope the one clear goal is always to make a better LinuxCNC. It's great if other benefits can accrue in the process but let's not let them become the goal itself. As you say, we don't want the recombined projects to fall on their face.* We're all reasonable people so nothing can go wrong? Maybe, but history is replete with stories of good technical projects that fragmented when they expanded their goal to be all things to all people. I'm not saying it will happen, only that it can happen. There's an old US television series named "Hill Street Blues" that had a great tag line. Early episodes began with a police station's roll call. At the end of the roll call, Sergeant Esterhaus would call out after the departing officers "Hey, let's be careful out there." That would be my suggestion here. Just my 2 cents worth. Regards, Kent *The good news is that breaking out different parts may bring new stakeholders and additional support, the bad news is that the different stakeholders have to be kept focused on the goal of the original project, else chaos ensues as they push and pull on their favorite part to meet their own goals. The mental image that comes to my mind is the scrum in rugby union football. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Live Security Virtual Conference Exclusive live event will cover all the ways today's security and threat landscape has changed and how IT managers can respond. Discussions will include endpoint security, mobile security and the latest in malware threats. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfrnl04242012/114/50122263/ _______________________________________________ Emc-developers mailing list Emc-developers@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-developers
