Meeting Purpose
Weekly external Medley Interlisp project meeting to discuss progress, issues, and next steps.
Key Takeaways
- Ryan created an exploratory video on building a simple data-plotting program in Interlisp, sparking discussion on documentation improvements and user experience
- Progress made on various documentation efforts, including library cleanup, project page updates, and application revival efforts
- Technical issues addressed, including PDF export functionality and T-Edit file conversion challenges
- New contributor Bob Bain (CLTL-2 author) may join the project, potentially aiding with Common Lisp integration
Topics
Ryan's Exploratory Video on Data Plotting
- Ryan created a screencast showing how to build a simple GUI data-plotting tool in Interlisp
- Video highlighted some UI quirks and documentation gaps, sparking discussion on potential improvements
- Team appreciated Ryan's approach and pacing, seeing value in the "newcomer perspective"
- Discussed strategies for addressing surprises/inconsistencies discovered during video creation
Documentation and Website Updates
- Paolo completed spreadsheet listing details of every Lisp Users module
- Planning similar effort for Library modules
- PR #297 submitted with project page updates, including examples of Interlisp applications for revival
- Discussed potential reorganization of Lisp Users and Library directories
- Considering creation of "grad student projects" list on website
Technical Issues and Fixes
- Addressed PDF export functionality issue in
online.interlisp.org
- Ron implemented T-Edit document property storage for MCCS conversion tracking
- Ongoing work to resolve T-Edit file conversion challenges and error reporting
- Discussion on improving HC Files script output for better error parsing
Application Revival Efforts
- Stephen working on documenting and debugging URISCO, AM, Strads, and DADM
- Discussed licensing considerations for various legacy applications
- Exploring ways to support revival efforts while managing expectations
New Contributor Potential
- Bob Bain, author of CLTL-2 files, may join the project
- Could provide valuable insights on post-Xerox PARC developments and Common Lisp integration
Next Steps
- Ryan to incorporate feedback into future video content, possibly re-shooting parts of existing video
- Paolo to proceed with Library module documentation effort
- Frank to address PDF converter installation for
online.interlisp.org
- Ron to continue investigating T-Edit file conversion issues using updated error lists
- Team to refine messaging around application revival efforts on project page
- Explore onboarding process for Bob Bain and potential contributions