Why don't people get off this "use code tags" carping and scolding kick?
Too many subjects get pounded by these two or three code-tag prigs stinking the place up lately.
I've seen people scolded for this code-tags garbage go back and edit their posts by placing a 'less-than' before their code and a 'greater-than' after. Mission Accomplished - jerks!
If you don't like the form or you "haven't the time" on that account then why not ignore the subject - or ask the orderly to put you to bed for the evening (after a long day's sussing the great unwashed)?
My preference is that people get into the code tag habit early, because sooner or later, they're going to post some grown-up code that includes arrays, and therefore subscripts, and we all know what the forum software does with the commonest subscripts, don't we?
If somebody brings some understanding and good counsel and inserts a diplomatic or otherwise well put pitch for how better to do things, there's no issue.
What's to be accomplished by smacking new people with intemperate smart-alecky "use code tag" harangues? I think the effect is deleterious, counter-productive. The first response to someone's first post should not be some gig list.
Please modify your post and use the code button </> so your code looks like this and is easy to copy to a text editor. See How to use the Forum
I find it very difficult to make sense of code when it is on the Forum screen rather than in my text editor (Geany) where I can, for example, highlight variables to see all the places they are used and where I can easily see where IF blocks end.
I don't think it is unreasonable to expect people, including newbies, to make it easy for us to help them. I think it is better use of my time to help someone else with a problem than to spend the same time trying to copy incorrectly posted code.
Robin2:
I generally tell people to ...use code button </>
I think it is better use of my time to help someone else with a problem than to spend the same time trying to copy incorrectly posted code.
I think we agree here.
Let them stew in their juice.
If someone is reasonable, thoughtful - mentor him.
Generally, what I try to do is give an answer or suggestion for the problem - code tags or not. But then, at the end - I give them the reminder or prompt to use the code tags, and explain that it helps the rest of us understand the code easier on-screen.
Usually, I am at a computer that has an editor I can just cut-n-paste the code into (and even if there isn't, there are many online options); but on a phone this might not always be possible.
So - in short I try to give them some help first, but then give them some direction on the code tags second.
That said - I will admit that on a rare occasion I've been one of the a**holes just posting "please use code tags" instead of offering real help. For those times, I apologize.
Sometimes a posted sketch (or even code fragment) will suddenly turn italic, or contain smilies. Ok the italics are due to the common place bracket-i-bracket that appears in code, but also is bbcode for 'start italic text'. The smilies are more difficult to decipher, since they can be several different codes. Using code tags fixes this, and I will usually suggest code tags when I see that.
It is true however, that tagged code is easier to use than inline, better than an attached file (especially an .ino file, that wants to be copied to a folder in my Arduino folder) and much, MUCH better than linked code. This place is 'manned' by a pretty knowledgable group, and so why not follow the "How to Use..." guidelines to make it easier for everyone.
The thing I don't get is the hatred of Fritzig. For sure, as we have seen lately, you can do some pretty hideous stuff with Fritzig, but for simple setups (that comprise about half the beginner stuff here) it is pretty easy to follow, and matches the diagrams in Arduino's own tutorials. I DO appreciate the trend toward hand drawn schematics though. They are fun to draw, and often show the information that is pertinent best.
If it has only a few components one can stomach the drawing.
I would guess a new person latches on to this format as it represents the real thing to them.
They do not realize a drawing of any complexity offers no readability.
ChrisTenone:
The thing I don't get is the hatred of Fritzig.
It is very easy to give "excellent" advice based on a misconception and then the smoke escapes. I find that even simple Fritzing diagrams require me to make far too many assumptions.
With a pencil drawing I can see clearly how things are connected and if the drawing is wrong it is not my problem.
(people who are braver than I can use a pen )
cr0sh:
That said - I will admit that on a rare occasion I've been one of the a**holes just posting "please use code tags" instead of offering real help. For those times, I apologize.
What's with this apologizing for trying to help someone?
If code is posted in code tags it is much easier to read and it is easy to copy/paste it into an editor or the IDE. This increases the probability that people will take the time to help.
No apologies here.
)
Me too.