"Andy Little" <andy@servocomm.freeserve.co.uk> writes:
"David Abrahams" wrote
"Andy Little" writes:
My problem is that it just isnt Generic enough, but just someone elses grouping (nor is the current grouping any better) . Whats needed is some sort of generic grouping mechanism with a choice of grouping algorithms and /or keywords. That would be more in the spirit of boost. (The nearest thing currently is the Google box. ) Of course whether the technology a) exists b) is acceptable on the website.... is another matter.
I think the inclination to use complex and unspecified (non-existent?) technology to attack the library browsability problem is really amusing.
I'm glad that I at least lightened your day ;-)
In my opinion, it's not at all in the spirit of Boost.
I was thinking about generic programming when I wrote that FWIW.
Operationally, many of the things we do are purposefully simple to avoid imposing lots of overhead on our volunteer structure. If *I* were a newbie asked to choose among grouping algorithms I would probably go back and read the list from beginning to end. The human ability to categorize blows what machines can do out of the water any day of the week, and I think exactly what Beth is doing -- with a little input from other participants -- is likely to produce far superior results.
FWIW Here are some algorithmic categories I thought of. Some you may recognise...
Sort by Most popular Sort by least popular
Fun, but seldom useful.
Sort by Most recent
That's why we have news on the front page.
Sort by Oldest
seldom useful..
Choose Header only no linking reqd
Useful, though could be handled with an icon.
Choose Header only or Autolink
I don't know what that means.
Choose those that need building
Useful.
Choose only those with standardisation proposals Choose only those with equivalents in TR1.
Now you're talking.
Alphabetical A-Z.
We have that.
Alphabetical Z-A.
Not useful.
Rated excellent/good/medium/poor...
I'm not sure we want that.
Just my 2c; if you feel like coding it up, we can always try it for comparison.
Basically a drop down box, which provides the above algorithms and similar that can be added as demanded/coded. On selecting one algorithm bring up a list of the relevant libraries. Ideally float mouse over a particular query result gives a popup with a bit more detailed info. Not sure whether Javascript is acceptable though? ( hmm if Javascript can do it.. havent used it for a long time )
(hmm......I wonder if he's still laughing ) ....... ;-)
No, this is deadly serious: if you feel like coding it up, we can always try it for comparison :). Last I checked, JavaScript is acceptable if not having JavaScript doesn't make the information inaccessible. -- Dave Abrahams Boost Consulting www.boost-consulting.com