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Brian,
You are correct. I switched to AB because I wanted a programming
language that was fundamentally tied into the realtime price arrays
and the charting for the same. RT quotes --> Database --> AFL -->
Charts. That was all I wanted, and that is pretty much all I use.
There is a lot of overhead associated with getting and maintaining the
data, interacting with the user, and outputting the the data in a
useful form. I only wanted to be concerned with the algorithms that
decided to buy or sell. Interestingly, even with all the support
functions handled by AB, I still spend 80% of my time coding UI
things! I think it is some kind of computer programming law.
AFL was my real destination with AmiBroker, and I had a hard time
because it was not well defined. A lot of assumptions were made about
prior knowledge of specific programming language conventions in C like
languages. Languages I had no experience with. These are middle
level languages. My experience was with machine level assembler code,
and very high level like Revolution/SuperCard/HyperCard, and a
smattering of BASIC and APL from the original versions 40 years ago.
I had no idea that I was supposed to go learn C syntax before I could
use the AFL documentation. IMHO this is a documentation hole big
enough to drive a truck through.
Then what happens when someone has no experience with any programming
language at all. Perhaps some Excel experience, or maybe experience
using a programmable calculator. I can't imagine the bewilderment
with AFL. It takes a lot of handholding from support or this list to
get over the first hump.
I believe it would be appropriate to define the AFL language in the
documentation as if it were the only language that exists on the planet.
For instance "+" is defined as "Addition". Whereas, in reality the
"+" operator is data type dependent. It will add two numbers, add a
number to every element in an array, add two arrays element by
element, or concatenate two strings. It will not add a number or
array to a string.
As I have suggested before, I would have liked to see a "Complete"
listing of all operators, functions, reserved words, syntax
characters, directives, etc., in one live list index that points to a
page that explains each one in the same way that the functions are now
described. Then additional "see also" pointers on those pages to
point to more in depth documents when available. In fact the current
functions list could simply be expanded to do this.
This would have saved me many weeks off the learning curve.
I don't know if Howard is planning on doing this in his new book, but
it should be part of the on-line documentation.
Best regards,
Dennis
On Aug 28, 2008, at 10:34 AM, brian_z111 wrote:
> I didn't explain myself very well there.
>
> What I am saying is that I think we are making it harder by not
> admitting that it is a programmers program and just getting on with
> teaching AFL.
>
> If anyone held told me that at the start I would have run for it but
> the fact is that the help manual is about 'AmiBroker the program' but
> eventually I came to realise it is all about programming -
> specifically AFL.
>
> So, if I do want to get on with it where do I go?
>
> The AFL section of the help manual is condensed.
> The first few chapters of Howards Book are a basic intro to AB and
> the rest of the book is orientated around SystemDesign & Evaluation?
>
> Where is the next stop on the AFL line?
>
>
> brian_z
>
>
>
>
> --- In amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "brian_z111" <brian_z111@xxx> wrote:
>>
>> Herman,
>>
>>> I always figured that sticking with AFL would have provided a more
>>> continuous path for users to develop their programming expertise.
>>
>> This is a new point, not really discussed much before, I think.
>>
>> I really don't know how to put it in words but you are so right.
>>
>> Tomasz should be proud of me because if I am a programmer at all I
> am
>> an array programmer...... but sometimes I am left reaching for AFL?
>>
>> Perhaps there are conventions that people with 2 or more
> programming
>> languages automatically understand?
>>
>> Do I have to go and learn C++ as well.
>>
>> Should I need too?
>>
>> brian_z
>>
>
>
>
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> For NEW RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENTS and other news always check DEVLOG:
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>
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