Manual

[guppy]

I was troubled with the manual of TV3D. There're samples only in VB, and there're functions without any sample sources. In addition, there're wrong sample scripts. I felt very inconvenient.
Won't you improve those problems?

[pizzayoyo]

There is a full set of documentation coming with the release of 6.5. There will be standardized samples for every language, a long (500 page if i remember correctly) document telling how to do tasks, a full API reference, and a wiki for the more advanced stuff.

It would be inconvienent for the devs to move back to working on 6.2 document at this stage, as the release for 6.5 will be in less than 6 months.

[obi-2-kenobi]

as the release for 6.5 will be in less than 6 months.

Is it really? Or is it just an estimate, like so many others? Not to say that you're wrong right off the bat , but everybody who has said something like that has been wrong so far if I am correct

[Zaknafein]

There will be standardized samples for every language, a long (500 page if i remember correctly) document telling how to do tasks, a full API reference (...)

Isn't that err... very optimistic?
I don't know for you, but I haven't seen one page of 6.5 documentation and I can only hope that they're keeping it away from beta users. There has been no public word on whether documentation will be shipped with the open beta or with the full version, which could be a year away.

[pizzayoyo]

dS said in a recent beta post that there isnt that much left before open beta, and gave an estimate like 6 months, maybe less. And zak, I don't know if its going to be shipping with open beta, but dS did say that about documentation.

[obi-2-kenobi]

Ok then. I believe you now. -obi

[pizzayoyo]

I found this post by dS.

#1 - 6.5 will have full documentation, including multiple chapters in a manual to get users started in each language. The art pipeline will be fully documented, and some of the more advanced features touched upon. All of the tools will have descriptions, and how-to manuals.

#2 - 6.5 will come complete with a full set of tutorials, for every standard language we support. (C++, C#, VB.Net, VB, Delphi)

#3 - 6.5 will come complete with a generic framework for each language, so you can quickly get up and running, without having to figure out which objects do what. (Even though that is fully explained in the API reference.)

#4 - The wiki will provide more advanced tutorials for 6.5, including how to achieve some of the more complex effects. It will be an ever growing resource, and when you figure something new and cool out, it helps to explain there how you did it, so others can learn as well.

[darqSHADOW]

I don't know for you, but I haven't seen one page of 6.5 documentation

Then you missed it when I posted about it, and talked about it in IRC for days.  There have been 5 preview versions released on the web already, but only in small numbers so that I can ensure people don't run off with it.  (There are business reasons for this, which I will not get into.)  The class reference alone is well over 400 pages, with more chapters being added as I get time.

DS

[micmanos]

The class reference alone is well over 400 pages, with more chapters being added as I get time.

Now wonder, he doesn't have any of that (time) ...  :shock:

[GMS0012]

I will buy 6.5..

but first of all they have to publish the docs....
i dont buy 6.5 and use the docs of 6.2...


why should i  buy 6.5 without docs? how do i know how to use all the features in C#??

but i am happy that everything will be available in 6 month

hopefully...

[Zaknafein]

Then you missed it when I posted about it, and talked about it in IRC for days. There have been 5 preview versions released on the web already, but only in small numbers so that I can ensure people don't run off with it.

You did post about it, the post pizzayoyo quoted (which used the future tense, "will have", "will come")... but you didn't post any actual documentation. Which is explained by the fact that you don't want it floating around in the intertubes; I can understand that.
And I'm not much of an IRC user...

The class reference alone is well over 400 pages, with more chapters being added as I get time.

That is VERY good to hear. Thanks for the confirmation!

Edit : Sorry for my skeptism, but you have to agree that official information and updates are very scarce these last err... 5 months.

[darqSHADOW]

Actually, I did post a link to the Work In Progress docs a few times, but at that point they were very rough drafts.

why should i buy 6.5 without docs?

This is a common misconception.  You are NOT buying 6.5 -- you are buying a 6.x license, which grants access to the 6.5 BETA.  It is not uncommon to only complete the docs once the core is finalized, so that you don't end up spending double-duty on writing the docs multiple times, as things change.  Once open beta hits, you and everyone else will have the 6.5 documentation, but not until then.

DS

[GMS0012]

but i can use 6.2 for free.. with (also poor) docs..

tell me one reason to buy a 6.x license?

i am a beginner and need good docs. i want to learn how to use the engine (with all features) in c#.

i know, tv3d is a great "engine" but i dont spend my money for a beta without documentation when i can have 6.2 for free...

i am just scared a little bit

[micmanos]

tell me one reason to buy a 6.x license?

We all bought it because we have plans on using it to build something that we want to exploit (one way or another) or because we want to release something without the watermark or simply because we believe in the potential of this project and want to support it (anyone..?). If you're not one of those and simply looking to argue or waiting for an answer like 'it's going to make your life better ... or something' then i believe you don't need it but it's really up to you.

i am a beginner and need good docs. i want to learn how to use the engine (with all features) in c#.

There is a difference between being a begginer and being a complete ignorant on computers. TV is a tool that requires someone to know stuff in order to use it. Stuff include both graphics, programming as well as basic/advanced maths (depends on what you want to do). It's a good & effective tool but it's not a magic wand.

i know, tv3d is a great "engine" but i dont spend my money for a beta without documentation when i can have 6.2 for free...

Just because many people say 'it's great' or 'It rocks', doesn't mean you have to, especially when you don't know it that well. It's quite common for begginers (such as myself) to be impressed by a few shots of what it can be done, but the truth is that those seen by begginers (such as myself ... again) can easily be done in all the other 'engines' out there. That's what the 'free' version is all about. Learn it and then decide whether it fits your needs.

PS: When i first saw TV3D i was so impressed (had tried DarkBasic) that i kept saying, it's great, amazing, the ultimate tool, ... etc. But i really can't say that anymore because i don't have (and chances are i will never do) that much of an experience with other engines. My opinion is biased and my field of experience too narrow.

EDIT

PPS: Don't be scared, don't be upset ..... we've all been there and we've all asked the same questions ...  :wink: