Logisim 2.7.1 fixes bugs, file handling

Logisim, a graphical design and simulation tool for logic circuits, is now at version 2.7.1. This release's primary purpose is to address several issue discovered since 2.7.0 was released two weeks ago.

One of the primary bugs addressed in this release is one where a user could inadvertently change a component's attribute to an invalid value. The circuit would typically continue to work normally, but when the file is later reloaded, the file would refuse to load. This release repairs the cause of the invalid value assignments; and it enhances the file-loading process so that a dialog box appears explaining any problems found, and the portion of the file that could be interpreted is still loaded.

Another issue found in 2.7.0 was in the behavior of the transistors. In particular, a transistor would "convert" a floating (Z) value into an error value when told to transmit its source input; now, floating values are transmitted as floating values.

Besides addressing many other issues besides these, this version also adds a "Select Location" attribute to the multiplexer, demultiplexer, and decoder, allowing the user to configure where these components' select (and enable) inputs are located relative to the component.

Finally, this release marks the introduction of a mailing list where users can subscribe to hear about new developments regarding Logisim. We promise that the traffic on this list will average below one message per month. To subscribe, go to https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/circuit-announce

Educational institutions around the world use Logisim as an aid to teaching about digital logic and computer architecture. As a Java application, Logisim can run on most major operating systems. Read more about Logisim at http://www.cburch.com/logisim/, and download it from SourceForge.net at http://sourceforge.net/projects/circuit/.