[Javacad-develop] jCad - 2D CAD in Java for cross platform - suggestions

[Ezekiel 33 T. <tec...@ez...>]

Hi,

I was looking at jCad - 2D CAD in Java on your web site at ;

http://javacad.sourceforge.net/index.php3?body=about.html

1) It looks like an interesting project.
It could also be good for children and learners, as it could run on just 
about any old PC. Being able to print out in SVG and othe formats, makes 
it immediately useful for any projects that use "sheets". That means 
paper, cardboard, wood, plastics, and metal, maybe even glass.
So for flexible sheets, having all the tools for "developments", means 
the projects can get laid up easily.


2) Unfortunately , the files at sourceforge are not available for download ;

http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=26748


3) The instructions for CVS installation are visually confusing.
http://javacad.sourceforge.net/index.php3?body=download.html

A clearer easier to understand lay out would use a few more blank lines 
and some quotes. For example ;

To check a cvs snapshot of source from sourceforge,type this to login;

cvs -d:pserver:ano...@cv...:/cvsroot/javacad login

Then download by typing ;

cvs -z3 
-d:pserver:ano...@cv...:/cvsroot/javacad co JCad

Notes
1) If you are not familiar with cvs, please visit www.cvshome.org first.
2) The source code requires the latest J2SDK1.4.0 and Ant to build.
3) If you can't use cvs, a daily checkout tarball is available at the 
following web address, be careful use the files in /JCad dir,good luck 
http://cvs.sourceforge.net/cvstarballs/javacad-cvsroot.tar.gz


4) Typo for sned = send on the page at ;

http://javacad.sourceforge.net/index.php3?body=maillist.html


5) I haven't been able to download a version, so I haven't used it, but 
additional features that would be handy are;

a) Show more than one view at once, including standard layouts for top, 
front and side views.

b) Option for isometric or perspective view (on same screen/window).

c) Import and export files to other CAD programs and 3D virtual reality 
programs (e.g. Blender).

d) Easy hand sketch system.
d1) Imput from light pens and pads, and scanned hand sketches.
d2) compose object from sketches of parts
d3) estimate best fit to sketch lines/curves, and allow for edit
d4) spline methods for curve fits to sketched curves


6) Create a section on your web site where users (and Fans) can share 
projects and objects.
Starter projects could include origami (paper), houses for train sets, 
dolls houses, home hanyman projects (wood) like shelves and letterboxes.
Light engineering projects like plans for tool boxes, heating and 
ventilation corners and funnels.


7) Compatibility so able to read standard CAD files for manufactured 
parts, and compose a list of manufacturers that these can be downloaded 
from, in various countries.


8) Invite users to create tutorials on how to use the program, tutorials 
on how to design various items, write/translate the help files and menu 
commands in their own language.


9) "Suggest a Feature" web or email link built directly into the program.
Easy to find, so user can make a suggestion on improvements or some way 
to make things easier, just by clicking to send email. No need to look 
up web site, navigate around, fill in forms, etc (in the hope of being 
possibly able to make a suggestion).


10) A good program will grow. Inability to grow at the rate the program 
deserves will stymie the project, because people will get frustrated and 
morn out. Have a page on your site that invites people to join the team. 
Skills anywhere from new learners (who are great for finding out where 
things are confusing and non-intuitive), artists (who can design icon, 
buttons, branding, GUI skins), translators and writers (for help texts, 
tutorials, web mag site promo news releases), programmers, testers, anybody.
The things that you may not be so keen or motivated to work on, might be 
what some others want to work on - you just need to "enable" the work to 
be done.


11) GUI that can be customised by the user.
The users will have varying qualities of Monitors, tasks or uses for the 
software. They will need to adapt the layout (including toolbars, and 
quick access tools). So even without "adding" functions, the 
"functionality" of the program can be improved by "flexibility" of the 
user interface.

12) Something which would be quite handy is to be able to create files 
that work with CNC equipment, and can be used for "Rapid Prototyping".


I hope some of this has been of interest, maybe even useful.

Do well.
Best wishes.
Yours
Alasdair
tec...@ez... (note - confidential email address - not for 
publication on net, to avoid unwanted email)