GDL Cookbook X-Tracts
Starting from July 2000,
GDL Cookbook X-Tracts are available in PDF format, for prices
from $8-$20 depending on page numbers and complexity and significance
of the information content. These will be added to as the author
finds time and subjects to write about.
These are due to be downloadable from The Object
Factory, but in the meantime, you can view a file describing the
files presently available. if you need these, you can fax or email
davidnc@gdlcookbook.com
with CC details and a request.
If you are concerned about email security, you
can email to David an ArchiCAD 6.0 or 6.5 file with your CC: details
in a Text block in a Hidden Layer, and the message can just contain
the name of the file you want.
If you are new to Marmalade Graphics, then please include
your full address and phone and fax and email, so that you can be
added to the GDL Cookbook owners database.
The full benefit of this
becomes apparent over time when you find yourself able to buy Cookbook
updates, and special GDL object offers at reduced prices, or for
some items, for free.
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User Interface
ArchiCAD 6.5 brings the
opportunity to make advanced GDL objects almost as powerful as API
- instead of the usual parameter box, the object can display to
the user a series of specially design dialog boxes with scroll bars,
pictures, tick boxes, edit fields, a variety of font sizes and styles.
This means that objects can contain detailed instructions on their
best use, value lists (pop down menus) can now be a series of pictures
(as left).
This X-Tract explains things which simply are not available
from any other source.
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This extensive
document is 10 pages and contains comprehensive research finding into
the mysteries of the User Interface:- what each command does, golden
rules on using the commands, bug reports, detailed findings on font
sizes and styles, leading, aligning headings with edit fields and
much more. It includes a worked example with detailed helping comments
for each stage of the script. This Cookbook X-Tract is what any user
needs if they wish to develop a user interface and save hours of troublesome
errors and problem solving.
$16.00 [Buy/enquire]
(Cookbook 2.10 users need not apply, it's included)
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Curved Windows
Uncover the
Hidden Secrets of Curved Windows. The explanation for these in the
GDL manual is utterly baffling. This X-Tract reveals the tricky
geometry behind curved windows (and doors) and provides some essential
Trigonometric and Geometric formulae for calculating the correct
widths and positions of frame, sills and glass.
The working example goes on to show how to distribute
mullions (transoms would be done similar to the sill) and how to
calculate the exact size of the glass sheet, so that the 2D symbol
is correct, and you would have a means of cutting and curving the
glass accurately.
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$12.00
[Buy/enquire] |
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PUT&GET
PUT&GET
are your passport to greater things with GDL. You can do almost
nothing beyond easy shape making if you do not use PUT&GET.
Briefly, if you make prism and other statements and know all the
XY points then great! - you do not need PUT&GET.
The moment you dabble in algorithmic shape making -
for example, getting points to follow a curved pathway, or calculating
how many holes to drill in a prism - then you need PUT&GET.
It makes it possible to form objects that you cannot otherwise form.
Not only that, it is quicker to work with once you know how to do
it, it reduces the risk of errors enormously (that is also time
saving), it is neater in the organisation and typographic style
of scripts. It works in 3D and in 2D. It's so important that it
is the very FIRST thing taught in the Voyager section of the GDL
Cookbook. This X-Tract takes that tutorial and stretches it to more
than twice the previous length, with detailed explanation and worked
examples.
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OK, this X-Tract
does not tell you how to do the Millennium Wheel (London eye) but
it reveals a skill that you have to learn if you want to just think
about doing something like this. The London Eye can be downloaded
from the Object Factory, and you can see the script for yourself.
It is surprisingly easy once you know PUT&GET!!
$12.00
[Buy/enquire]
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Coming Soon!
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Swinging the
Cat - a study of practical circular geometry and
Trignometry. |
Instant GDL
- how to use ArchiCAD to generate much of the GDL for you (and I dont mean
autoscripting). |
Hot 2D Scripting
- Rapid magic in 2D scripting - by doing no 2D Scripting. Yes, the 2D script
can be written in the 3D Script window! |
Arrays - The big mystery
of programming - the source of true programming power in complex objects
- what are they needed for, procedures, examples. |
File Input/Output - why
do it, how do you do it, examples of it being useful. |
Materials - defining
your own. |
Value Lists - more than
just a pop-down menu! |
Stretchiness and Autosizing
- what every ArchiCAD user wants! |
Fragment - how to create
and use 2D fragments |
Professional Guidelines
- what every GDL user should strive to include in obejcts. |
last
edited July 12 2000
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