Re: Where to begin?

David Leangen wrote:

> Hello, list.
> 
> I am new to Avalon. I am really excited about using it, based on the
> documentation I read.
> 
> However, it appears that I'm starting at a bad time. It looks like
> everything is being rearranged. It seems clear that everything is moving
> towards using Merlin as the container and Magic as the build tool. If this
> is the direction, then I would prefer to go this way.
> 
> However, I'm having a hard time trying to figure out even how to do simple
> things... For instance, I can't even see how to download the Magic
> libraries!

Here is what you need to do:

1. checkout avalon/truck from svn - here is the info about
    svn and getting that sorted
    http://avalon.apache.org/central/resources/svn/starting.html

2. cd to the avalon truck root directory and ...

    $ ant setup
    $ ant

3. you now have anything ready to do an install of merlin but
    first off - what platform are you running on?

> 
> The other thing I'm trying to do is figure out how to use Avalon embedded
> in my app. I have not yet been successful.

Suggest reading though the tutorials first then when comfortable with 
creating and building new components then start playing with embedding. 
  There are a bunch of people on the list who have first had experience 
at that.

> 
> I may be wrong, but because of the recent changes, it seems like most of
> the documentation on the wikis and elsewhere is now outdated. If that's
> the case, I don't really want to begin on the wrong track.

You will find the svn structure a lot better - tutorials all build using 
the ant command - its much easier than before

> So, should I wait a few months until things stabilize, or should I just
> ask questions on the list?

just post questions to the list

> I don't mind being somewhat of a guinea pig, but I don't have all that
> much time to spend, either...

A good idea may be to post some info about what your planning on doing 
and an idea of the time.  Getting merlin and magic up and running should 
not be a problem and getting to grips with component stuff is usually a 
rapid process - embedding takes you to the next level and you will 
probably want to play in the facilities area (which is more complex but 
a lot more powerful within respect to advanced dynamic management) - but 
more an that as you get going

Cheers, Steve.

> Your advice would be much appreciated.



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