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Dennis,
An XML template need not be very different from what you have put
forth. For example; the following might show that the entry "abs" has
two signatures, each taking a single argument, either a number or an
array and is described at the given link.
e.g.
<entry>
<name>abs</name>
<args>
<arg>n</arg>
</args>
<args>
<arg>a</arg>
</args>
<ablink>http://www.amibroker.com/guide/afl/afl.php?id=3</ablink>
...
</entry>
The advantage being that it delineates the data right up front,
rather than risking inconcistent entries that would require
specialised parsing later just to normalize it all.
For example, your entries already have an inconcistency in that you
do not separate "n" and "a" with a comma for Args and Returns in your
entry for "abs", but you do in your entry for "CCI".
All it takes is for a few entries to use the comma in Args, or omit
it in Tags and you will have introduced the need for specialized
parsing down the road. Having things wrapped right off the bat slows
things a bit up front, but prevents the need for specialized coding
or hand edits down the line.
But, Dingo's comment is fair, if you just want to keep the ball
rolling, then do keep an eye on consistency such that the data will
lend itself to an easier conversion later.
Mike
--- In amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Dennis Brown <see3d@xxx> wrote:
>
> Dingo,
>
> Don't be shy. I want us all to get off on the right foot with
this --
> and soon. The template for filling out the data is the only real
> thing we need to agree on to get moving here. If you see anything
> that looks like it is lacking or needs to be better in the
template
> formatting --please propose it. I am very quick to go with the
best
> NIH suggestions, but it has to be better. I don't invest with my
> emotions --it clouds my reason. Realtime discretionary trading
forces
> one to clear their mind of prejudice -- or die a pauper! LOL
>
> I proposed a template format. I am sure it could be improved in
some
> way. However, if nobody proposes any specific changes, it will
have
> to be declared the official format and we will move to the data
> gathering stage. We will just have to deal with format issues
that
> come up later in the process.
>
> BR,
> Dennis
>
> On Sep 2, 2008, at 4:53 PM, dingo wrote:
>
> > I was gonna suggest that but he wants to write an AFL for
> > reformatting and right now while there's some momentum it would
be
> > best to let let him just build it. We could write a program to
> > convert it to xml if he keeps the data tightly organized.
> >
> > d
> >
> > On Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 3:16 PM, Mike <sfclimbers@xxx> wrote:
> > Dennis,
> >
> > I realize in advance that this suggestion is likely beyond the
> > comfort zone of most. But, keep it in mind anyway.
> >
> > If you define an XML template for people to make their
submissions,
> > or at least have someone or some small group take on the effort to
> > convert submissions to XML, it will be a huge advantage later when
> > it's time to work on presentation. Applying XSL over XML will give
> > you infinate flexibility in how you want the HTML to look.
> >
> > You don't need to worry about the XSL part right now. Just focus
on
> > the data (i.e. the XML). Once you've got the data togeather, it
only
> > takes one person to write an XSL document to transform the data to
> > the desired layout.
> >
> > http://www.w3schools.com/xsl/xsl_transformation.asp
> >
> > Mike
> >
> > --- In amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Dennis Brown <see3d@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Sidhartha,
> > >
> > > Thanks for asking, I would be glad to explain. I don't expect
> > > everyone helping will be able to understand what I was referring
> > to
> > > unless they have used AFL this way before. I have, and I know
some
> > of
> > > the old hands have.
> > >
> > > The basic Idea is that AFL is a general purpose programming
> > language
> > > in it's own right within its domain. AFL has the ability to
read
> > a
> > > text file and write a text file. AFL has plenty of text string
> > > functions and the ability to create string arrays after a
fashion
> > with
> > > functions that can dynamically name variables. It also has a
> > > parameter UI window that allows for numbers, flags, and strings
to
> > be
> > > passed to the program and buttons to "Do it now". So all the
> > > programming elements are available to take a text file, parse
its
> > > contents and write out another file based on user selections.
> > >
> > > So then, an AFL program could be written that based on user
input
> > > could generate a file with the desired format. That format
might
> > be
> > > an abbreviated glossary that just included AFL program elements
> > with
> > > their calling syntax that could be printed out as a cheat sheet.
> > Or
> > > the format might be an HTML document that could be uploaded to
the
> > UKB.
> > >
> > > A third option is possible, but I don't know how to do this one.
> > That
> > > would be to write a program in JavaScript that ran on a web page
> > and
> > > dynamically generated the HTML formats from user inputs. I am
sure
> > it
> > > will come to that eventually, but even fewer could help with
that
> > or
> > > change it for their own uses.
> > >
> > > I am proposing something simple that can be shared and is in the
> > realm
> > > of "Rapid Prototyping" of a solution that can be
institutionalized
> > > later by the pros.
> > >
> > > BR,
> > > Dennis
> > >
> > > On Sep 2, 2008, at 8:06 AM, sidhartha70 wrote:
> > >
> > > > Dennis,
> > > >
> > > > Can you expand, practically & operationally, on how you would
see
> > this
> > > > AFL program working...? It's still not quite clear to me.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks
> > > >
> > > > --- In amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Dennis Brown <see3d@> wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >> Keith you are inspiring my thinking,
> > > >>
> > > >> I am going to formally propose a two pronged approach to move
> > forward
> > > >> from here.
> > > >>
> > > >> 1. We create a simple text only template to gather
information
> > > >> initially for the glossary project -- more than one person
can
> > work
> > > >> in
> > > >> parallel gathering data.
> > > >>
> > > >> 2. We write a simple AFL program that reads in this text
file,
> > and
> > > >> generates an output text file in whatever format we want.
> > > >>
> > > >> As ridiculous at it sounded when I first wrote it, I am not
so
> > sure
> > > >> it
> > > >> is a bad idea anymore. We all have AB running on our
machines
> > and we
> > > >> all know (or are learning) how to make AFL programs. So
even
> > though
> > > >> a VB or JS or C++ or EMACS or whatever language might be the
best
> > > >> choice for one of us, AFL is a common denominator. And it
will
> > > >> make a
> > > >> great example too of using it for something useful other than
> > > >> trading.
> > > >>
> > > >> The output file could be just like what you generated or it
> > could an
> > > >> HTML file complete with links inserted that could sit in the
UKB.
> > > >>
> > > >> This approach would keep us from having to define and fiddle
with
> > > >> formatting issues on a finished document that could slow us
down
> > or
> > > >> limit the ultimate uses of the data. Instead we could
> > concentrate on
> > > >> gathering the data as one phase and formatting the output in
> > another
> > > >> phase. The two phases can be independent and actually
proceed in
> > > >> parallel. The skills needed are different for each. We
could
> > even
> > > >> have two different AFL programs. One to generate text
documents
> > and
> > > >> another for HTML docs. It takes a different skill set to
know
> > how to
> > > >> generate HTML vs just a text document. We can use
parameters to
> > > >> define the formatting we want. Also anyone would be free to
> > write
> > > >> any
> > > >> other formatting program in any other language they want to
> > generate
> > > >> other outputs.
> > > >>
> > > >> New data can be added at any time without messing with
formats
> > later,
> > > >> because it is auto generated from the raw data. Since
> > formatting is
> > > >> not an issue we could take a integrated or distributed
approach
> > to
> > > >> the
> > > >> initial data phase. People can take a section and work on
it as
> > a
> > > >> separate text doc and merge them later, or we could use a
> > > >> collaborative doc editing setup on the web. Either way or
both
> > way
> > > >> would work to start with. The collaborative way might be
better
> > for
> > > >> the long term, but I am no expert on these setups --I usually
> > work
> > > >> alone at home on local data.
> > > >>
> > > >> Suggested template filled out for abs and CCIa examples:
> > > >> Notes: a n t for data type, 'for text of arg (see examples),
> > > >> unused fields can be deleted without harm, only
> > Entry: is required.
> > > >>
> > > >> Entry: abs()
> > > >> Returns: a n
> > > >> Args: a n
> > > >> ABLink: http://www.amibroker.com/guide/afl/afl.php?id=3
> > > >> UKBLink:
> > > >> VideoLink:
> > > >> Name: Absolute value
> > > >> Use: Returns absolute value of a number or array
> > > >> ABVer: 1.0
> > > >> Hierarchy: Functions, Math
> > > >> Tags: absolute, sign, positive
> > > >> Related: sign()
> > > >>
> > > >> Entry: CCIa()
> > > >> Returns: a
> > > >> Args: a, n 'period=14
> > > >> ABLink: http://www.amibroker.com/guide/afl/afl.php?id=29
> > > >> UKBLink:
> > > >> VideoLink:
> > > >> Name: Commodity Channel Index
> > > >> Use: Returns Commodity Channel Index of an array
> > > >> ABVer: 4.2
> > > >> Hierarchy: Functions, Indicators
> > > >> Tags: CCI, Woodie, overbought, oversold
> > > >> Related: CCI()
> > > >>
> > > >> Comments?
> > > >>
> > > >> Best regards,
> > > >> Dennis
> > > >>
> > > >> On Sep 1, 2008, at 6:14 PM, Dennis Brown wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >>> Keith,
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Thanks, Nice work. You put some good thought into this.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> I like the way you added the full calling form and array vs
> > number
> > > >>> and I suppose a t for text results.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> An extract of a couple of simple ones from your doc for
> > everyone to
> > > >>> see:
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>> The 'a' and 'n' at the beginning of each function below
> > indicates
> > > >>>> that the function returns an 'array' or a 'number'
> > respectively.
> > > >>>> Some functions return neither, while some can return
either.
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>> AB -- AmiBroker
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>> Search: amibroker.com, TJ, Tomasz Janeczko
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>> a n abs(a|n) -- absolute value.
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>> Search: math, sign
> > > >>>>
> > > >>> I could see this also as a good *generated* output format
from
> > the
> > > >>> basic data set. Could we have our cake and eat it too?
Meaning
> > > >>> have an input format that captures potentially more
> > information, and
> > > >>> automatically generate this or similar documents that can be
> > > >>> downloaded or uploaded to the UKB.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Comments?
> > > >>>
> > > >>> BR,
> > > >>> Dennis
> > > >>>
> > > >>> On Sep 1, 2008, at 5:23 PM, Keith McCombs wrote:
> > > >>>
> > > >>>> Dennis and others --
> > > >>>> I've started a very simple version of a glossary, just
plain
> > text
> > > >>>> and no columns or links. As simple is it is, I believe
that it
> > > >>>> satisfies the primary need -- helping the user find what to
> > look
> > > >>>> for in the already existing documentation.
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>> If I include it in this Yahoogroups form, it gets all
> > reformatted
> > > >>>> and is difficult to read. Therefore, I've uploaded it to:
> > > >>>> http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/amibroker/files/
Look
> > for:
> > > >>>> "Preliminary AB Glossary km080901-1.doc"
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>> BTW, I tried to put it in Googledocs in both .odt and .doc
> > formats,
> > > >>>> but Googledocs wouldn't include the leading spaces in
> > sentences.
> > > >>>> And I'm not very good at using 'cryptic' indentation
> > techniques.
> > > >>>> If we were to do shared documents on Googledocs, would I
have
> > to
> > > >>>> learn the 'cryptic' secrets?
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>> -- Keith
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>> Dennis Brown wrote:
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> Keith,
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> Great! I can't wait to see what you come up with. 20
sounds
> > like
> > > >>>>> a lot to tackle first round though.
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> I have been trying to think about what KIND of information
> > (not th
> > > >>>>> e actual format) would be useful to include also. We
don't
> > have
> > > >>>>> to have everything first pass.
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> I was just making a list here. It still feels like I am
> > groping
> > > >>>>> in the dark, but a little light at the end of the tunnel.
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> Glossary Entry: "Only one entry per form"
> > > >>>>> Doc Link: Link to the best AB doc place to learn about
this
> > > >>>>> entry --by clicking on the entry
> > > >>>>> UKB Link: Optional link to a UKB page --could be a
substitute
> > > >>>>> manual
> > > >>>>> Other Link: Optional link to another doc page --could be
a
> > > >>>>> tutorial video
> > > >>>>> Description: "Short descr iption of the entry"
> > > >>>>> AFL version: First AB version number to support this
> > > >>>>> Hierarchy: "TopLevel", "Level2",... "LastLevel" --used
for
> > > >>>>> creating a sorted list and as search terms
> > > >>>>> Search Tags: "SearchTerm1", "SearchTermN"
> > > >>>>> Related Entries: "Glossary Entry1", "Glossary EntryN" --
the
> > see
> > > >>>>> also kind of thing
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> ~Dennis
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> On Sep 1, 2008, at 2:41 PM, Keith McCombs wrote:
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>>> Dennis --
> > > >>>>>> I'm still here. I've been working on a sample. Very sim
> > ple,
> > > >>>>>> plain text, no columns, or tags. I'm trying to supply
only
> > > >>>>>> enough information so someone can get an idea of what to
> > look for
> > > >>>>>> in the documentation. Presently, I am avoiding making
any
> > > >>>>>> specific reference to section or page in the manual or
> > anywhere
> > > >>>>>> else (too much work and would change with every major AB
> > > >>>>>> revision.
> > > >>>>>>
> > > >>>>>> I should be posting to the group with the first twenty
or so
> > > >>>>>> entries, this afternoon, US EDT.
> > > >>>>>>
> > > >>>>>> I don't expect the format that I am using will be the
final
> > one
> > > >>>>>> --- its just a starting point.
> > > >>>>>>
> > > >>>>>> Thanks for your support and comments, past, present, and
> > future.
> > > >>>>>> -- Keith
> > > >>>>>>
> > > >>>>>> Dennis Brown wrote:
> > > >>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>> Keith,
> > > >>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>> You still with us?
> > > >>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>> I figured you would have a few things to say about the
> > > >>>>>>> formatting issues (unless you are away right now).
> > > >>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>> I consider you a critical partner in making this happen
> > since it
> > > >>>>>>> was primarily your proposal that got it moving.
> > > >>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>> The startup is a bit messy until we get our feet planted
> > firmly
> > > >>>>>>> on the ground.
> > > >>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>> What do you think about the idea of a spreadsheet as the
> > initial
> > > >>>>>>> form to hold the raw data during the creation phase?
> > > >>>>>>> We can kick things around in text on the list, then add
to
> > the
> > > >>>>>>> spreadsheet doc as we go.
> > > >>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>> Answer on list if appropriate for all.
> > > >>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>> Best regards,
> > > >>>>>>> Dennis
> > > >>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>> On Aug 30, 2008, at 12:07 AM, Keith McCombs wrote:
> > > >>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>> Sounds good to me.
> > > >>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>> However, is there somewhere we could have a document
that
> > we
> > > >>>>>>>> could all collaborate on without the text getting all
> > garbled
> > > >>>>>>>> up by Yahoogroups, adding carriage returns, line feeds,
> > and >?
> > > >>>>>>>> I believe there is some way to do this -- just don't
know
> > what
> > > >>>>>>>> that way is.
> > > >>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>> Dennis Brown wrote:
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> I have moved this thread to its own topic so that it
will
> > not
> > > >>>>>>>>> get
> > > >>>>>>>>> mixed up with the other thread going forward. I have
> > added
> > > >>>>>>>>> three
> > > >>>>>>>>> replies at the top level here ~Dennis
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> Peter,
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> I believe it should ultimately end up as part of the
> > official
> > > >>>>>>>>> docs.
> > > >>>>>>>>> However, creating a separate one to start with and
> > getting the
> > > >>>>>>>>> bugs
> > > >>>>>>>>> worked out of it would help everyone now. If it is a
> > > >>>>>>>>> successful and
> > > >>>>>>>>> useful document, then I am sure Tomasz will take note
and
> > > >>>>>>>>> figure out
> > > >>>>>>>>> how to incorporate its usefulness into the AB docs.
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> Identifying a need that does not require the brightest
> > brains
> > > >>>>>>>>> in the
> > > >>>>>>>>> AFL world to contribute to it is a liberating
experience.
> > > >>>>>>>>> Instead of
> > > >>>>>>>>> begging for someone else to solve it, ordinary and
> > > >>>>>>>>> extraordinary users
> > > >>>>>>>>> alike can make it happen in bite sized chunks.
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> I think the way to approach this is for one lead
person to
> > > >>>>>>>>> take a
> > > >>>>>>>>> small section, say the first 10 items in alphabetical
> > order
> > > >>>>>>>>> from the
> > > >>>>>>>>> functions list and take a stab at filling them out
> > completely
> > > >>>>>>>>> and post
> > > >>>>>>>>> them here for comments. Then perhaps a few volunteers
> > could
> > > >>>>>>>>> follow
> > > >>>>>>>>> the lead and each take the next few in sequence. And
do
> > the
> > > >>>>>>>>> same
> > > >>>>>>>>> thing. This way there could be parallel efforts and
> > feedback
> > > >>>>>>>>> in an
> > > >>>>>>>>> open way that would encourage more participation from
> > anyone
> > > >>>>>>>>> who
> > > >>>>>>>>> thinks they could do the same thing to a small set. It
> > would
> > > >>>>>>>>> not take
> > > >>>>>>>>> too long to assembl e a good size Glossary that way --
one
> > > >>>>>>>>> section at a
> > > >>>>>>>>> time.
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> BR,
> > > >>>>>>>>> Dennis
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> On Aug 29, 2008, at 10:37 PM, peterjldyke wrote:
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Hi,
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Would it be feasible to work on the existing manual
> > without
> > > >>>>>>>>> re-
> > > >>>>>>>>>> writing another document? The headings and
information,
> > as
> > > >>>>>>>>> they
> > > >>>>>>>>>> stand are already there, set out years ago by TJ and
> > others.
> > > >>>>>>>>> What is
> > > >>>>>>>>>> lacking is a keyword search in newbie plain english.
> > Maybe a
> > > >>>>>>>>> start
> > > >>>>>>>>>> could be made on the Function headings.
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Peter
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> Mike,
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> Thanks. Yes that is what I meant by extracting
everything
> > from
> > > >>>>>>>>> the
> > > >>>>>>>>> docs. Those are the basics, but it does take a bit
more
> > > >>>>>>>>> detective
> > > >>>>>>>>> work to make sure nothing is missed. But if a complete
> > list is
> > > >>>>>>>>> not
> > > >>>>>>>>> easily available, then we will just have to compile
it the
> > > >>>>>>>>> best we can
> > > >>>>>>>>> and fill in the blanks later. There are a number of
single
> > > >>>>>>>>> character
> > > >>>>>>>>> tokens used in different contexts, like in a text
field.
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> BR,
> > > >>>>>>>>> Dennis
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> On Aug 29, 2008, at 6:19 PM, Mike wrote:
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> It would sure help to get started if Tomasz or
someone
> > else
> > > >>>>>>>>> has a
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> current text list of all keywords and tokens that
AFL
> > > >>>>>>>>> recognizes
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> to get started with -- that way nothing would be
missed
> > and
> > > >>>>>>>>> it is
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> just adding info to each one.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> The existing documentation offers this.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> http://www.amibroker.com/guide/a_language.html
> > > >>>>>>>>>> http://www.amibroker.com/guide/a_keywords.html
> > > >>>>>>>>>> http://www.amibroker.com/guide/afl/afl_index.php?m=1
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Mike
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> Keith,
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> You did such a good job explaining your proposal,
would
> > you
> > > >>>>>>>>> like to
> > > >>>>>>>>> take the first 10 to get us started?
> > > >>>>>>>>> The functions list is easy in some respects because
it is
> > > >>>>>>>>> already half
> > > >>>>>>>>> way there. But the one line definitions would likely
want
> > to
> > > >>>>>>>>> be a bit
> > > >>>>>>>>> more descriptive about its intended use. Search words
> > might
> > > >>>>>>>>> also
> > > >>>>>>>>> include a category or two so the list could return
> > functional
> > > >>>>>>>>> groups.
> > > >>>>>>>>> The search words might be the largest part of the
entry.
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> I would be happy to assemble the whole list off line
and
> > > >>>>>>>>> keep it
> > > >>>>>>>>> updated as we work through the total and publish it
in an
> > > >>>>>>>>> acceptable
> > > >>>>>>>>> form, and try to keep the momentum going --unless
someone
> > else
> > > >>>>>>>>> wants
> > > >>>>>>>>> that role.
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> I can think of some other projects that could be
handled
> > the
> > > >>>>>>>>> same way
> > > >>>>>>>>> that would be of general help to all if this effort is
> > > >>>>>>>>> successful.
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> Test group:
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> #include - preprocessor include command (AFL 2.2)
> > > >>>>>>>>> #include_once - prep rocessor include (once) command
> > (AFL
> > > >>>>>>>>> 2.70)
> > > >>>>>>>>> #pragma - sets AFL pre-processor option (AFL 2.4)
> > > >>>>>>>>> abs - absolute value
> > > >>>>>>>>> AccDist - accumulation/distribution
> > > >>>>>>>>> acos - arccosine function
> > > >>>>>>>>> AddColumn - add numeric exploration column (AFL 1.8)
> > > >>>>>>>>> AddTextColumn - add text exploration column (AFL 1.8)
> > > >>>>>>>>> AddToComposite - add value to composite ticker (AFL
2.0)
> > > >>>>>>>>> ADLine - advance/decline line (AFL 1.2)
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> Best regards,
> > > >>>>>>>>> Dennis
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>> Begin forwarded message:
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> From: Dennis Brown <see3d@>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Date: August 29, 2008 6:02:30 PM EDT
> > > >>>>>>>>>> To: amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [amibroker] Re: The best way to help
> > newbies,
> > > >>>>>>>>>> oldies, ... and AmiBroker ...
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Reply-To: amibroker@xxx oogroups.com
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Keith,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Thanks for rescuing my post from the oblivion of the
> > chaos
> > > >>>>>>>>> that came
> > > >>>>>>>>>> after it.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> I like your more detailed suggestion and yes we are
> > talking
> > > >>>>>>>>> about
> > > >>>>>>>>>> the same thing. From a practical point, this is not
> > > >>>>>>>>> something that
> > > >>>>>>>>>> one person should have to take on by themselves -- it
> > could
> > > >>>>>>>>>> be
> > > >>>>>>>>>> overwhelming. This is perfect for a collaborative
effort
> > > >>>>>>>>> initially,
> > > >>>>>>>>>> but would require a Wiki sort of thing to do that in
the
> > > >>>>>>>>> broadest
> > > >>>>>>>>>> sense. Once it is all pieced together, it would not
be
> > too
> > > >>>>>>>>> hard to
> > > >>>>>>>>>> maintain in the UKB or in another way. Perhaps a text
> > file
> > > >>>>>>>>> could be
> > > >>>>>>>>>> uploaded with the partial document and "checked out"
to
> > be
> > > >>>>>>>>> worked
> > > >>>>>>>>>> on. Eventually it would be complete enough to post
as a
> > good
> > > >>>>>>>>>> resource, but of course would have to be updated
> > regularly
> > > >>>>>>>>> as AFL
> > > >>>>>>>>>> evolves.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> I think my extension to this is that I would like to
see
> > the
> > > >>>>>>>>> entries > link to the place in the documentation tha t
> > defines
> > > >>>>>>>>> them, or
> > > >>>>>>>>>> perhaps an auto search for references in the docs.
Not
> > clear
> > > >>>>>>>>> to me
> > > >>>>>>>>>> yet what would be the most helpful if they are not
> > > >>>>>>>>> integrated into
> > > >>>>>>>>>> the official docs.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> It would sure help to get started if Tomasz or
someone
> > else
> > > >>>>>>>>> has a
> > > >>>>>>>>>> current text list of all keywords and tokens that AFL
> > > >>>>>>>>> recognizes to
> > > >>>>>>>>>> get started with -- that way nothing would be missed
and
> > it
> > > >>>>>>>>> is just
> > > >>>>>>>>>> adding info to each one.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Otherwise, like you said, the first job to piece them
> > > >>>>>>>>> together from
> > > >>>>>>>>>> the various places in the docs.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Any other ideas about how to make this a reality
without
> > > >>>>>>>>> killing one
> > > >>>>>>>>>> person?
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Best regards,
> > > >>>>>>>>>> Dennis
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>> On Aug 29, 2008, at 4:34 PM, Keith McCombs wrote:
> > > >>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> Dennis --
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> Your comments below reminded me of something I've
always
> > > >>>>>>>>> wanted for
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> AFL. You called it an "AFL to English Dictionary ",
> > while I
> > > >>>>>>>>> was
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> thinking "Glossary". But, I believe, we may be
looking
> > for
> > > >>>>>>>>> the
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> same thing.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> Many times I knew what I wanted but couldn't find
it in
> > the
> > > >>>>>>>>> help
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> documentation just because I didn't know what AB
called
> > it.
> > > >>>>>>>>> For
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> example, when I first wanted to plot multiple or
> > different
> > > >>>>>>>>> or other
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> equities, all on the same chart, I was pretty sure
that
> > it
> > > >>>>>>>>> could be
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> done but had a hard time figuring out how. It was
quite
> > a
> > > >>>>>>>>> while
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> ago, so I'm not sure exactly how I tried to solve
the
> > > >>>>>>>>> problem. But
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> I probably opened up Help and did a Search
> > for 'multiple',
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> 'different', 'other', or 'many'. Somehow,
eventually, I
> > > >>>>>>>>> discovered
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> the 'foreign' function, which, by the way, took me
> > longer
> > > >>>>>>>>> than to
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> write and debug my final code.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> Had there been an "AFL to English Dictionary"
> > or 'Glossary'
> > > >>>>>>>>> with an
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> entry like,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> "foreign( ) -- refers to symbols other primary symb
ol.
> > > >>>>>>>>> Search -
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> different, many, multiple, other."
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> it would have been of great help at the time.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> Another hard one, at least for me, to come up with
on
> > my
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> own,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> "AddToComposite() -- used to create composite
> > indicators.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> Search - different, index, indicator, many,
multiple,
> > other.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> and
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> "ATC -- abbreviation for AddToComposite."
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> Note: Making such a glossary should not be very
> > difficult.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> It
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> would consist of:
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> 1. Make a list of all the keywords, functions, and
other
> > > >>>>>>>>> useful
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> terms in AFL.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> 2. Add very brief description for each. Best done by
> > users
> > > >>>>>>>>> with
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> 'intermediate' experience.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> 3. Add Search words. Best done dynamically by newer
> > users,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> especially those who had difficulty finding the
> > particular
> > > >>>>>>>>> keyword
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> or function.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> This could be a very useful addition to the UKB.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> Oh yes,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> "Users Knowledge Base -- very helpfu l "how to"
> > articles by
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> users. http://www.amibroker.org/userkb/glossary
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> Search - user, more, help, tutorial.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> and
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> "UKB -- abbreviation for Users Knowledge Base."
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> and
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> "AFL -- abbreviation for AmiBroker Formula
Language."
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> BTW, given such a 'Glossary' or 'AFL to English
> > > >>>>>>>>> Dictionary', I see
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> no need for an "English to AFL Dictionary". Just
search
> > for
> > > >>>>>>>>> the
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> English word that you think might lead you in the
right
> > > >>>>>>>>> direction.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> -- Keith
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>> Dennis Brown wrote:
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> Ron, and other posters to this thread,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> This is a good example of where some of the
problems in
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> understandin g come from. AFL is cryptic and
concise.
> > It
> > > >>>>>>>>> takes a
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> good long while to make the connection between a
> > natural
> > > >>>>>>>>> language
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> expression of the desired result and the AFL to say
> > the
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> same
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> thing. I had ask for an AFL to English dictionary.
You
> > and
> > > >>>>>>>>> other
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> posters are asking for an English to AFL phrase
book. I
> > > >>>>>>>>> really
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> like that idea. There are a large number of one
liners
> > > >>>>>>>>> that are
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> very useful and are great at teaching how things
work
> > in
> > > >>>>>>>>> AFL. How
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> many times have I seen a question for "How do I
plot a
> > > >>>>>>>>> vertical
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> line at x?" or "How do I change the background
color by
> > > >>>>>>>>> bar to
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> indicate some indicator condition?". Almost the
kind of
> > > >>>>>>>>> thing
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> that could make up an AFL FAQ section. This seems
like
> > one
> > > >>>>>>>>> of the
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> things the UKB was created to handle. However, each
> > item
> > > >>>>>>>>> is too
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> small to warrant a wh ole UKB article in itself.
The
> > TOC
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> structure is not set up for that IMO. However,
having a
> > > >>>>>>>>> dozen one
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> liners about plotting, etc., in one subject would
be
> > very
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> helpful. Just the fact that a number of question
would
> > be
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> answered under one general heading makes i t more
> > likely
> > > >>>>>>>>> that a new
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> user would find the answer to the thing he wanted
> > quickly.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> I am hearing so many good ideas on this and similar
> > > >>>>>>>>> threads in the
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> last couple of days from new and old hands.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> I am a great fan of "Cheat Sheets". Condensation of
> > all key
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> points to a subject on one page. There are many
areas
> > of
> > > >>>>>>>>> AFL that
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> could fit into this model.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> Of course the problem with the UKB is that each
article
> > > >>>>>>>>> has to
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> have an owner who is responsible to input and
update
> > its
> > > >>>>>>>>> content.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> There are also some barriers to becoming a UKB
author.
> > Not
> > > >>>>>>>>> big
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> ones, but just big enough to keep busy people from
> > > >>>>>>>>> crossing over.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> &n bsp;One suggestion was made to have AB support
help
> > out
> > > >>>>>>>>> with
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> that so there would be an easy as email way to
make a
> > > >>>>>>>>> contrib
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> ution for these snippets. Support already has
offered
> > to
> > > >>>>>>>>> post
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> articles for authors, but I think it is stil l a
> > barrier
> > > >>>>>>>>> to have to
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> write a "complete" article to post anything.
Adding to
> > an
> > > >>>>>>>>> article
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> that is already structured with a small think like
> > people
> > > >>>>>>>>> post
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> hers would not be so daunting.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> I think it is a great idea to have a topic related
AFL
> > > >>>>>>>>> phrase
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> book. Of course it would also be appropriate for
any
> > UKB
> > > >>>>>>>>> author
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> to put up his hand and say he will sign up to
maintain
> > a
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> particular topic UKB entry for the phrase book.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> Perhaps if a few of us could take a topic and get
the
> > ball
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> rolling, others would join in. The idea is that
> > instead of
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> writing a UKB article, you just email a snippet to
the
> > > >>>>>>>>> responsible
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> person to add it to the article.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> This list itself could be used to vet things first
to
> > > >>>>>>>>> reduce the
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> editing of completed articles. That way someone
would
> > not
> > > >>>>>>>>> have to
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> be an expert to maintain one topic.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> If severa l people like this basic idea, the we
could
> > > >>>>>>>>> expand the
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> concept and create an outline for the subjects.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> Should we start organizing the topics for a phrase
> > book?
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> It is one thing to complain, another to suggest
> > > >>>>>>>>> improvements, and
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> still another to be willing to contribute to the
> > > >>>>>>>>> suggestions.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> What do people think of this idea, and
contributing to
> > it?
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> Best regards,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> Dennis
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>> On Aug 28, 2008, at 3:13 PM, <professor@>
<professor@
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> wrote:
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> Ron,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> The examples that you used were perfect. Even I
could
> > > >>>>>>>>> understand
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> how they worked and learn how to do things that I
> > wanted
> > > >>>>>>>>> to do
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> but didn't know how to do it. I spent a lot of
time
> > using
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> barssince and ref trying accomplish this.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> Tom
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> From: Ronald Davis
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> To: amibroker@xxx oogroups.com
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:36 AM
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [amibroker] Re: The best way to help
> > newbies,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> oldies, ... and AmiBroker ...
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> In the very early days of my Amibroker learning
curve,
> > > >>>>>>>>> The best
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> help that I
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> received was from this board when an experienced
user
> > was
> > > >>>>>>>>> kind
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> enough to
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> quickly code an example or what I was asking.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> Then, I would play with what they had given me,
and I
> > > >>>>>>>>> started to
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> understand
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> how to use Amibroker.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> For example, REF(c>ref(c,2),5); says that the
close
> > that
> > > >>>>>>>>> happened
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> five days
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> ago has to be higher than the close that happened
on
> > the
> > > >>>>>>>>> sixth
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> day ago.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> Whereas, SUM(c>ref(c,2),5); only requires that any
> > one or
> > > >>>>>>>>> more of
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> the
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> closes over the last five days has to be higher
than
> > the
> > > >>>>>>>>> previous
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> days
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> close.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> The above examples of simple english explanations
from
> > > >>>>>>>>> this board
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> are how I
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> started l earning Amibroker. Ron D
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> From: "Ken Close" <ken45140@>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> To: <amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 12:15 PM
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: RE: [amibroker] Re: The best way to help
> > newbies,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> oldies, ... and
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> AmiBroker ...
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Amen. Amen! AMEN!
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> While Tomasz has done so much to improve and
expand
> > the
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> training/manual
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> since the early days (he really has!), the fact
> > there is
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> continual
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> questions
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> on the same stuff or "small stuff", suggests
there is
> > > >>>>>>>>> still
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> room for and
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> benefit from improvement.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I am constantly reminded (or remind myself) that
> > Tomasz
> > > >>>>>>>>> has to
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> say "Read
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> the
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Manual". Some questions are almost obvious that a
> > quick
> > > >>>>>>>>> trip to
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> help
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> would
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> answer the question, but o ther "simple"
questions
> > are
> > > >>>>>>>>> not.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> Many of us do
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> attempt to find the answers in help but cannot.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> For example, yesterday, I wanted to know how to
make
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> subscripted arrays.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> did not remember that VarGet and VarSet was set
up to
> > > >>>>>>>>> do this.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> So a trip
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> to
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Help and typing in "subscripted arrays" found 9
> > entries
> > > >>>>>>>>> none of
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> which led
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> me
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> to VarSet or VarGet. I think one of the
improvements
> > > >>>>>>>>> would be a
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> search
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> system which allowed more complex search logic or
> > > >>>>>>>>> strings, or
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> some way to
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> zero in on the specific request. As Tomasz says,
it
> > is
> > > >>>>>>>>> almost
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> always in
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> there, it just is hard to find.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Ken
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> From: amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> [mailto:amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Behalf
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Of Dennis Brown
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: T hursday, August 28, 2008 11:58 AM
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> To: amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [amibroker] Re: The best way to help
> > > >>>>>>>>> newbies,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> oldies, ... and
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> AmiBroker ...
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brian,
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> You are correct. I switched to AB be cause 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 kin d
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> of
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> computer
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> programming law.
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> AFL was my real destination with AmiBroker, and I
> > had a
> > > >>>>>>>>> hard
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> time because
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> it
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> was not w ell 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 c an't imagine the
> > > >>>>>>>>> bewildermen t 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 h elp 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@> 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 l
eft
> > > >>>>>>>>> reaching
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>> for AFL?
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Perhaps there are co nventions 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
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>>>
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Please note that this group is for discussion between users
only.
> > > >
> > > > To get support from AmiBroker please send an e-mail directly
to
> > > > SUPPORT {at} amibroker.com
> > > >
> > > > For NEW RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENTS and other news always check
DEVLOG:
> > > > http://www.amibroker.com/devlog/
> > > >
> > > > For other support material please check also:
> > > > http://www.amibroker.com/support.html
> > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Please note that this group is for discussion between users only.
> >
> > To get support from AmiBroker please send an e-mail directly to
> > SUPPORT {at} amibroker.com
> >
> > For NEW RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENTS and other news always check DEVLOG:
> > http://www.amibroker.com/devlog/
> >
> > For other support material please check also:
> > http://www.amibroker.com/support.html
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
------------------------------------
Please note that this group is for discussion between users only.
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For NEW RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENTS and other news always check DEVLOG:
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