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.

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.

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)

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.

$12.00 [Buy/enquire]

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.

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]

Coming Soon!

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