Re: computer-go: gnugoclient 2.0

[Heikki Levanto <heikki@xxxxxx>]

On Fri, Aug 03, 2001 at 05:03:14PM -0400, Don Dailey wrote:
> Whether a program has "undo"  or not isn't really  a big deal.  But in
> my  opinion  the  real  issue  is  getting   this very  basic  feature
> documented right away.

A standard is complete not when there is nothing to add, but when there is
nothing to remove!

I do agree that it is important to specify the behaviour of the undo command
now, to avoid different implementations. But I also agree that the command
is of limited use, probably only in human-computer games, which is but one
use for the protocol. Thus I do not agree that "undo" must belong to the
minimal set of commands all programs must implement.

Therefore I propose to add another set of commands, that are recommended but
not required. Currently this command would contain the undo command only,
but I can imagine we might want to add stuff later, for example time
controls, ruleset details, and what not. 


Other recommendations for the standard. Discuss and discard at will.
  - Three possible error responses:
      - Unknown command
      - Not implemented  (like undo above)
      - Parameter error  (like playing outside the board)
  - Naming convention for commands that are specific for debugging one
    program, for example prefix by program name or abbreviation
    (gg_owl_defend). Should we keep an "official" list of those prefixes?


Heikki
  leaving for off-line vacation for a week

-- 
Heikki Levanto  LSD - Levanto Software Development   <heikki@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>