Re: Rhino, Was:vector's learning curve

>--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Tim Goldstein" <timg@k...> wrote:
> Most computer users are now accustom to working in Windows with the
>mouse,
> toolbars, and menus. For the majority of users learning command
>line is
> about equal to cleaning out the cats litter pan. Some one may have
>to do it,
> but they would be much happier if it is not them. Vector uses these
>very
> familiar methods that are common in most non-CAD windows programs
>without
> the command line entry and abstract concepts that are common in
>Autocad
> style systems. I do agree that the command line can be very fast,
>but it
> normally requires you to use the same program frequently to
>remember all the
> syntax and short cuts. When you look at the majority of productivity
> programs in the world today that command line paradigm was dropped
>long ago
> as it just never was successful for the casual user.

Tim, can I take exception the the above statement. Firstly you state:-

"When you look at the majority of productivity programs in the world
today that command line paradigm was dropped long ago as it just
never was successful for the casual user."

Productivity programs by their very essence aren't for the casual
user, they are heavyweight full time programs.
The command line hasn't been dropped but it's alive and well. Have a
look at any serious Cad programs like Autocad, Microstation etc and
the people who use these 10 hours a day are all on command line
inputs. True there are mouse / menu moves to duplicate these moves
but the speed is still in the command line.
One of the biggest failings I hear against Turbocad is that it's very
powerfull but the endless clicking dragging and tabing makes it a
pain to use. I know of quite a few organisations that have evalulated
it only to drop it because of the slow input.
What can be more productive when needing to draw a keyway or slot 8mm
wide and 30mm long in the vertical plane than to enter the following
on the command line:-
SL,8,30,90 <enter>

John S.