X-Authentication-Warning: delorie.com: mail set sender to geda-user-bounces using -f
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2015 17:50:05 -0400
Message-Id: <201507092150.t69Lo53N002627@envy.delorie.com>
From: DJ Delorie <dj AT delorie DOT com>
To: geda-user AT delorie DOT com
In-reply-to: <1436477539.1747.21.camel@ssalewski.de> (message from Stefan
	Salewski on Thu, 09 Jul 2015 23:32:19 +0200)
Subject: Re: [geda-user] What is the hardest part in a PCB layout program?
References: <1436477539 DOT 1747 DOT 21 DOT camel AT ssalewski DOT de>
Reply-To: geda-user AT delorie DOT com
Errors-To: nobody AT delorie DOT com
X-Mailing-List: geda-user AT delorie DOT com
X-Unsubscribes-To: listserv AT delorie DOT com
Precedence: bulk


The hardest thing inside pcb is figuring out the right interface
between the data and the tools that manipulate it.  Some tools need
low-level geometry, like DRC or the GUI.  Others need high-level
assemblies, like microstrip routers or gerber (which needs to export
pins, not circles).  Others (like optimizers) need both.

With the right interface, adding tools is more streamlined and less
likely to interfere with other tools, with less overhead and less
duplication of code.