I've been working on the project for a couple of weeks now, and I've started coding. Before I can go much further there are a few issues which need to be discussed, and this is what the meeting was supposed to be about...Except for the fact that no one turned up
1. Licensing
--- We need to know which license we are going to go with because this will effect which libraries we can bind/use in the program. For example, if we use a GPL based library we are stuck with GPL. (LGPL on the other hand enables use of a library (providing its dynamically linked) without any such restrictions).
Suggestion: New thread, research, poll and/or meeting vote.
2. XML config files
--- Although the Design Documentation (ver 0.1.03 - Section 1.3) states we should use "Spreadsheets" or "Tab delimited files", I would strongly suggest useage of XML as our config file standard.
Here is some sample code which shows how easy it is to use XML provided you know all the things inside <> and ""'s, which would be provided in examples or documentation.
Code: Select all
<vehicle="Train">Choo-Choo
<type>Steam</type>
<speed>100</speed>
</vehicle>
3. The Design Documentation
--- We need a version 1.0.0
It also needs to be designed with practicalities in mind. Not just ideas but programming concepts. (There are some attempts made, which seem promising until you actually try to implement it). If you keep in mind things can be loaded by XML files, then there is no need to go into too much details. Also lets not forget that there are gonna be more than trains in this game
Suggestion: Someone finish it (Up to beta version)! Community consultation (including from programmers) followed by ver 1.0 release.
4. Programming
--- I've made some head-way into the boring core of the game and would like to share with you all some general tips.
a. Get a good IDE/compiler
b. Comment your code (This is a hopefully a community project)
c. Use doxygen to produce beautiful documentation on you code.
d. Compile to CHM to make it even nicer
Suggestion: Need graphics engine, need some starter models (i.e. one train, truck, plane, etc), need some starter XML files.
5. Enthusiasm
--- I know this project has been going on for years and years and we've gotten people who come on board, make a bit of noise, promise the world and leave after a few weeks. I would hate to do this alone
Suggestion: Lets get acitve, lets get talking, stay positive people!!