Re: preprocessor postprocessor

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Greg Pettengill" <gregp@f...> wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: cadcamcenter <cadcamcenter@y...>
> To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y...>
> Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2002 3:17 AM
> Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] preprocessor postprocessor
>
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > One often hear about post-processors for CAM programs, and to this
> > programming dummy, it is something that ensure the NC program
> > generated will be understood by the Machine (is this the same as

the

> > controller?).
>
> Postprocessors are actually part of CAM program itself. They

translate

> the data from it's native format to a machine specific (i.e. G-

Code) format.

>
> > Just learned that there is such a thing as preprocessor, which I
> > dimly understand to be something that make sure that the source

code

> > will be understood by whatever compiler to be used to compile them
> > into an executable program.
>
> I think that you are confusing Computer Programming (i.e. C-

language) with

> CNC Machine Tool Programming.
>
> > Is my understanding way off the mark? Is there any thing that

anyone

> > can add to the above that can add to our understanding of what
> > exactly is a post-processor? Like perhaps throwing some light on

how

> > a pre-processor and post-processor work, and if one can dish up a
> > post-processor (other than for the infamous MasterCAM) even

without

> > knowledge of the source codes?

Hi Greg, Bob, etc.,

Thanks. Trying to peep in a little deeper, something like that
book "Inside the IBM PC" rather than just clicking button without
knowing what is going on underneath. Wondering if the post-processor
works in some similar way as the pre-processor or if they are world
apart.

> Please feel free to give me a call if you wish...
>
> Best Regards
> Greg Pettengill
> Cote' Art & Engineering
> 321 269-7587

Thanks for the kind offer Greg. For that I'll have to wait for an
internet phone. I'm a loooong way off on the other side of the world.

Peter