[cad-linux] Re: Open-source Parametric software for Architect s

On Friday 13 September 2002 16:13, you wrote:
> A recent survey of Linux/Open Source 2D CAD programs found a junkyard of
> projects abandoned at various stages of incompletion, a couple that remain
> active, and a couple hopelessly entangled in licensing issues.  CAD is a
> difficult niche.
>
> I'm not aware of any Open Source parametric CAD project (2D, 3D,
> Mechanical, Architectural, or otherwise) showing tangible results, or
> progress.  There are some commercial Linux programs, however, as I'm sure
> this group already knows.
>
> Here's the tough question: If there were a state of the art CAD program
> that was free, would you really be that much better off in you profession?
> Flame if you must, but it's a question worth considering.

i don't think that flaming is required :-)
there are currently a number of usable tools (commercial and opensource) for 
cad and design on linux.  many people would like to see more advanced tools 
i.e. Parametric.  search the usenet/newsgroups and see how many times you see 
the statement "Autocad (or replace with Solidworks, Pro/E, or other) is the 
only thing keeping me on Windows).  the demand is there.   the question is 
whether the void will be filled by opensource projects or from commercial 
venders.  a few years ago a couple of venders played with Linux releases.   
for the most part they were kill by the half hearted approach that the 
venders took.  finding information on them was like pulling teeth.  In the 
end they were pulled with more fanfare than their release.

Pro/E's pending release for linux will go over with a much more solid start.

The Pro/E news is good, but with any market there are different levels and 
user needs.  Many on this list do Arch'CAD.  Myself i do Mech' (currently 
Aircraft).  others do Mapping and still others do Civil.  Some of these will 
be filled by Commercial products and others will be filled by opensource.
yes, most(but not all) of the Current opensource projects are not useable.
at the same time, most CAD drivers are not programmers.  yet progress is 
being made.  we are learning to work together and pool our skills.  as for 
the "junkyard" you pointed out, this is a strong point of opensource.  those 
junkyard parts that are left for dead can be picked up and reused if needed.

the question will be who fills the voids first.  i think that in time there 
will be room for both.

-- 
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of DOS,
and danced the skies on Linux silvered wings.
http://pfrostie.freeservers.com/cad-tastrafy/
http://www.freelists.org/list/cad-linux

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