On Wed, 18 Aug 2004 09:41:03 -0700, Milton wrote:
Hello,
This isn't exactly a C programming question, but i figured experienced
C programmers would offer the best response.
My boss wants a program developed that reads from ANY
device(peripheral) over a serial/usb/tin can/etc. connection. I've
tried convincing him it needs to be more specific (develop a driver
for ONE device and go from there) but to no avail, I would like
somebody else's professional opinion of why this is not attainable, or
just comments/convincing arguments.
Thank You
Are you sure you're not just trolling? This sounds like some kind of joke.
What you have outlined is far too vague to be called a project. It isn't
even a concept. It is a sketch of a concept. Not only that, but you will
most likely be re-inventing the wheel since device drivers probably
already exist which do this for any device where the idea makes sense.
Anyway, I suggest that you tell your boss that you like his idea and are
going to write up a detailed engineering specification for it. If he
agrees, then write it up as you see fit, and give it to him. Make sure you
spell out exactly what your code will and will not be able to do so that
you don't create expectations that can't be filled. You might want to
estimate the time for various parts of the project and identify the major
risks that you see. Explain how you will make it easy to add new devices
and you will start by reading from a file. After the file reading code is
debugged, you will add support for other devices one at a time. But this
will be easy because of the modular way you wrote the code in the first
place.
If he won't let you write up the specification or if he can't be bothered
to read it but still wants you to do the project, I suggest you find a way
for someone else to be your boss. (New manager at same company, or new
company.)
Good luck.
--Mac