Better component browser

[terrybarnaby]

The Module browser is very poor in pcbnew, worse than eeschema. It could be improved perhaps with a hierarchy of modules. There could be a type field in the modules to
allow selection of types such as Capacitors, Resistors, Logic, Microprocessors etc.

[nobody (nobody-users)]

Yes, KiCAD need better component browser i think, too !!!

Yob.

[Michael Heidinger (mch-heidinger)]

Yes, Kicad really needs a better component browser as also discussed in the mailing list. Please improve it!

[Stephen (artist-wavenet)]

There needs to be a taxonomy system for them.

[jegjessing (jarlgjessing)]

Might we get some examples to what a better browser is?

[Lorenzo Marcantonio (l-marcantonio)]

On Wed, Nov 23, 2011 at 03:52:03PM -0000, jegjessing wrote:
> Might we get some examples to what a better browser is?

I think he means something along the lines of eagle component browser, i.e. not
only a library/part but something with categories and subcategories... see
http://www.ianstedman.co.uk/Technical/Starting_with_EagleCAD/Eagle_Schematic_pt2.PNG

I personally I don't see that need... OTOH in fact I don't even use the
component browser: if I need a PIC16Fwhatever I just type the name, the other
'generic' components (L, C and R, usually :D) are quickly memorized. 'Favorite'
component are usually aliased: for example a BC817 is an alias for the NPN BJT
(otherwise I'd have to rename it!); it also helps because, doing commercial
work, the assembler has a set of 'stock' preferred components: I *could* ask
for a LM555 but he'd promptly ask if a SA555 would be the same because that's
the part he has in stock!

In fact a useful addon would be a 'part bin' with the preferred components
(ISIS has one, even if all the rest sucks greatly:D see
http://www.labcenter.com/products/isis_small.png)

I can see that from a beginner point of view a component browser *can* indeed
be useful to familiarise with the libraries

IIRC the library group already asked for something that...

--
Lorenzo Marcantonio
Logos Srl

[Martin Errenst (imp-d)]

The component chooser for eeschema is already replaced and following https://lists.launchpad.net/kicad-developers/msg12525.html , this ticket qualifies as work in progress :), since the rest will get a revamp too :).