Re: a swarm IDE collaboration or the digital entomolgist's dream

[pauljohn]

I think a Swarm IDE might be useful.  I know that The Creator of Swarm 
agrees with the long term objective of developing an easy to use 
interace that would allow people to build simulations even if they
cannot program.  That long term promise drew me into Swarm a year ago.

I did not understand what "long term" meant than, but I'm still glad I
started because I agree strongly with the idea of standardizing some
terminology and methods of simulation research.

I've got two concerns--arguments against redirecting activity at SFI
toward developing a useful IDE at this time.

1. I endorse Marcus's point that the Swarm community, as evidenced
on this list and at swarmfest, has set priorities for development.
Those ought to be adhered to.  Finishing documentation on the libraries
and classes is priority number one.  Fixing up the kernel, optimizing
schedules, are high priorities.  

2. I worry about investing a lot of effort on a click and drag
program builder because I am afraid Swarm would lose a lot of its
generality.  I'm studying politics, others here study economics,
some physics, some biology.  Is a single interface likely to serve
all users?  I wonder.  Or would it restrict the usage of swarm
to a particular modeling project in a certain field.

Oh, well, just killing time before bed.

Anybody use CDE?  If so, here is my question. Is it possible to
dump the motif window manager and still use the file manager and
application launcher thing?


Paul Johnson



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