How are you doing with your game Igthorn?

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I ain't pushing no moon buttons.

Pretty good. I'm working on the menu system. I think I have the major idea down, just need to code it. I'll post a build when the menu system is in.

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Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve

Did you ever come to a conclusion on the UML thing?
The reason I am asking is that I was recently thinking about it (again). I used to think that UML and strict designs were necessary, and something I would have to learn and implement into my personal process, but this time I came to a different conclusion:

A formal language is a means of recording an idea, but doing so has a price: As all formal languages are limited, anything that is recorded in one will inherit the limitations of the language.

So first recording an idea in UML, and then in the chosen programming language, would deteriorate the idea twice, by applying the limitations of both languages. At least if you also use a strict design.

So instead, I am trying my hand at a different approach with my current project: Iterative development with many loose designs, mostly recorded in plain English, pseudo code, on white board, and scribbled on my table with a pencil. whatever seems easiest at the time. Formal or informal, whenever possible the rules change to fit the idea, rather than the other way around.

So far it's working out pretty well, and the 3rd implementation is just about complete.

Yeah I gave up on UML. I see where it might be useful in large teams but for my own purposes I just use notes, mindmaps, pseudo code and whiteboard - just like you! MSPaint comes in handy sometimes as well

I think a big problem with UML is that it made me (and others I think) confound designing with recording of design. UML as a tool is not helpful for designing, as you said it limits your output to the formal structure. But for recording a design so that others can see it, UML could be useful. Even then, people are versatile enough to be able to understand well laid out notes and mind-maps, so is UML superfluous? Seems like it.

Another point you mention: iteration. Iterating the design was another good point I picked up from Code Complete and has helped in my menu system. UML tools are too clunky for ease of iterating.

Whiteboards rule!

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Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve

UML is for conveying to others how your project is structured. I always prefer to read a higher level document before plunging into the code.

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Heard in #gpwiki: <wzl> is there some serious grammar fail in your line or am i just too intelligent for your logic

What program are you using to make that diagram?

I used ArgoUML. Last time I used it, there was no Undo feature - so save often Even with no undo, it's still far better than any other UML tool I've used.

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Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve