| Re: Yesterday's Coyote Graphics Update [message #75177 is a reply to message #75174] |
Fri, 18 February 2011 08:14   |
David Fanning
Messages: 11724
Registered: August 2001
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Senior Member |
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Matteo Romano writes:
> I am excited to see how you lead this group discussion on the IDL
> language. It is very useful for my work with IDL. I would like to be
> able to purchase your book in the printed way, but I also notice that
> you have the chance to make many updates to the programs in the book
> (cg*.pro). Can I ask how the book shall keep in line with the updated
> programs? Is there a chance the book will be out of date when new
> programs are on your website? I hope there is some way to solve this
> problem.
Yes, there is *every* chance of that! Thank you for
reminding me. :-)
Here is how it works. When I work up enough courage
(and raise enough funds, but that's another story)
to commit this book to the printer I will also "freeze"
the code I used to produce the book. This goes into
a special area of my web page devoted to the book.
So, if you want to read the book and work with the programs
in *exactly* the way it is described in the book, the programs
are available to do so.
But, as you point out, the programs are likely out of date.
That is the reality. Life doesn't stop when you finish
a book. You still need to take out the garbage, as my
wife so lovingly reminded me this morning. If you want
the *latest* programs, they are always available (on what
seems to be an hourly schedule lately!) on my web page.
When I develop programs I am always mindful that programs
should be backward compatible unless there is an EXTREMELY
compelling reason not to be. (The big name change recently
seemed a sufficiently compelling reason to me, given my
future plans, etc.) So, even the *new*, constantly
developing programs should "work" with the book. But they
might (I would expect them to) have new features, bug fixes,
etc., that are not described in the book. Not much I can
do about that. It is the nature of the book business.
But, I can do a LOT about the PDF version of the book.
I can fix typos, thank God! So, if you want to be
completely up to date, I should think in addition to the
paperback version of the book, you might also want to
purchase a PDF version of the book.
I don't have an official "policy" about replacing PDF
files, but I am known to be a soft touch when someone
contacts me personally and lavishes praise on me. :-)
I'm saying, if you buy something from me, I generally
remember who you are and I feel grateful I don't
have to work for a living. You will probably get an
update from me.
Does that satisfy you?
Cheers,
David
--
David Fanning, Ph.D.
Fanning Software Consulting, Inc.
Coyote's Guide to IDL Programming: http://www.idlcoyote.com/
Sepore ma de ni thui. ("Perhaps thou speakest truth.")
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