| Re: Why Persist with the IDL Workbench [message #59618 is a reply to message #59523] |
Tue, 01 April 2008 13:56   |
Michael Galloy
Messages: 1114
Registered: April 2006
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Senior Member |
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On Apr 1, 1:50 pm, Paul van Delst <Paul.vanDe...@noaa.gov> wrote:
> Forgive my obtuseness, but remind me again what *extra* this Workbench thingy delivers?
Well, compared to Emacs + idlwave mode? I'm not sure if anything has
more features over that. But I would say the Workbench is a more
accessible to the new user.
>> I like the Outline view. Makes it easy to navigate through
>> your file.
>
> I don't use ctags with my editor, but that sounds like the same thing (would be nice in my
> editor I'll admit) From what I understand, emacs does that quite well also (I've seen
> people do things editing ruby source in emacs that blew me away)
I've found ctags to be a bit of a pain to setup, but yes it's
basically the same thing.
>> I like the way the Project Explorer makes all my files easily
>> accessible to me.
>
> If by easily accessible you mean a dialogue opens up (ala pickfile()) allowing one to
> browse a directory tree, again that's available in most editors nowadays.
It's one thing to request to see something and another to have
something that is always there to browse through. I find the Project
Explorer provides context that helps me situate myself in a project,
whereas a popup dialog does not. Combined with the outline view, I can
easily see the context of a routine's surroundings, get an overview of
the entire project, etc.
> And, all the above applies to whatever file I'm editing (f95, idl, ruby, html, latex,
> etc...) I can also run system commands in my editor.. and even write my own macros (or
> download those from others) to do additional schneato things.
There are plugins for other languages and tools that can be installed
for the Workbench as well.
> I guess the debug capabilities of the Workbench must kick ass. My "integrated debug"
> environment is another window where I have a debugger running, or debug output sent
> (except for IDL, of course. No external debugger). Works fine.
I regularly got myself into trouble when debugging with idlwave mode.
Debugging is one of the main tasks I use the Workbench for.
> I guess my OS is my dream IDE. Infinitely customizable and portable across languages. :o)
I agree there is no replacing the flexibility and power of the Unix
command line for many tasks. I just like the Workbench for some tasks.
> I reckon it's asking too much of single piece of software to be everything including the
> kitchen sink. Just my opinion, of course.
I agree that the Workbench doesn't solve all problems for all people.
And since there is a reasonable DE on Unix and a command line for
Windows now, everyone has choices.
Mike
--
www.michaelgalloy.com
Texh-X Corporation
Software Developer II
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