Of course the distinction between "explicit" and "implicit"
is clear.
I was just saying that things that one does often should
have a short syntax, and things that
are less often done can have a longer syntax.
Apart from that, I would prefer the list [x^2,x,-1,1]
notation to the shortcuts.
Kostas
Wolfgang Lindner wrote:
> "Mario Rodriguez" <biomates at telefonica.net> schrieb:
>>> from a didactical point of view I would like to make the mathematical distinction
> between
>>> 'explicit' vs 'implicit', it is a very clear concept.
>
>> But somehow we should pack together the function and the domain. Perhaps
>> in a list draw2d(terminal=png, color=blue, [x^2,x,-1,1]) ?
>
> I would like it, because the user and reader sees what to do (draw2d) and which object
> (the term [x^2,..]).
>
>> What about defining shortcuts such as
>> draw2d(te=png, co=blue, ex(x^2,x,-1,1))
>
> Hm. Could become cryptic, the first version is contextfree understandable - this could be
> helpful for beginners and occasional users. Shortcuts could be of value in the
> construction of longer grapical scenes.
>
>> The idea behind draw is to have a collection of basic graphical objects
>> as building blocks for more complex diagrams, see
>
> Yes, I think this is very flexible and allows clearly constructed graphical scenes.
> Anyway: in my opinion a smart brillant graphical maschine is the killing application for a
> general purpose CAS - it is crucial and often decides if a user (especially students!) is
> attracted to use a CAS or not. What currently is to be seen is very promising.
>
> PS: maybe one could integrate the great efforts of Jaime and other developers e.g. write
> draw2d( .., directionfield(..)) instead of plotdf(..) etc.
> The aim is to draw 'something' in 2D/3D using a unified action verb and afterwards
> specifing the object.
>
> Thank you all for the lively and prosperous existence of Maxima.
>
> HTH Wolfgang
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