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Changes in File Upload Procedures
Posted by Nikky on 1 April 2010, 05:35 GMT

In order to serve our users better, we are implementing an immediate change in our file upload policies. Without question, the wide array of quadratic solvers in TI-83+ BASIC is the most useful and successful section of ticalc.org. Millions of students from across the world have struggled with the scourge of quadratic equations, and through the effort of the entire community we have made great progress in quadratic solver equality for all.

But we still need your help.

That’s why we are now beginning to require that all program submissions, regardless of type, language, or platform, must be submitted alongside with an original TI-83+ BASIC quadratic solver. This will ensure that our archive continues to be full of outstanding quadratic solvers.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this just for each new file uploaded? What about an update to an existing program?

A: We certainly don’t want to hinder your program updates. So at this point in time, we will only be requiring quadratic solvers be included for new programs. This policy may change in the future if we decide that more quadratic solvers are needed.

Q : I know that ticalc.org loves screenshots. Do you have any tips for this new policy to ensure that we're complying with the screenshot standards?

A : We recommend that you include an animated gif showing your program solving a quadratic equation. This will assist us in seeing that your solver is unique. In fact, one problem is the bare minimum--the more the better!

Q: Do I include the quadratic solver in my main .zip file, or as a separate submission to be uploaded at the same time?

A: We are working on changing the upload form to include a field where you can upload the quadratic with. Until that point, please include the quadratic solver as part of your normal submission. We will extract your quadratic program and include it in the proper directory.

Q: You mentioned that these need to be “original.” Can you explain a little more?

A: Yes, each program will be ran through our proprietary source code checker and compare the uploaded quadratic solver with those in our archives. If the code matches, the submission is invalid and we will not approve your file.

Q: Wait. So you’re saying that if I make a BASIC shell program, I still need to create a quadratic solver?

A: Yes.

Q: What about a TI-89 ASM Library? Do I need to include a solver?

A: Yes.

Q: Can I submit the solver in any format besides TI-83+ BASIC?

A: No.

Q: Do I need to include a readme for my quadratic solver?

A: Of course.


If you have any questions, concerns, or opinions you would like to share on this change, please let us know. We welcome all viewpoints.

  Reply to this article


The comments below are written by ticalc.org visitors. Their views are not necessarily those of ticalc.org, and ticalc.org takes no responsibility for their content.


Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Kevin Ouellet Account Info
(Web Page)

Can we use ASM libraries for our BASIC quadratic solver? I was thinking of updating Jesse Pirnat's grayscale one with 3D text

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 06:05 GMT


Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Nikky Southerland  Account Info
(Web Page)

That should be acceptable if the program itself is in basic and only relies on limited use of ASM libraries.

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 06:15 GMT

Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
elfprince13 Account Info
(Web Page)

And here I was hoping you were about to announce ticalc.org's first quintic equation solver.

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 06:24 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Kevin Kofler Account Info
(Web Page)

A quintic polynomial with real coefficients has at least one real zero. So find that with any numerical approximation algorithm, such as the calculator's builtin numeric solver, divide it out (and throw out the remainder which is due to rounding errors), then apply the quartic formula to find the remaining zeros. Of course it's not a symbolic solution (which does not exist in the general case), but getting only a numerical approximation is quite normal for the TI-83+ family anyway.

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 10:03 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
elfprince13 Account Info
(Web Page)

*whooosh*

Someone missed the joke.

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 15:06 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Brandon Wilson  Account Info
(Web Page)

But not the opportunity to diss the TI-83 Plus series.

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 21:40 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Kevin Kofler Account Info
(Web Page)

Huh?
* I did not miss the joke, I know this article is an April Fools joke and I know what the point about quintic equations was (as evidenced by part of my reply). I'm just pointing out that a numeric (as opposed to symbolic) quintic solver isn't exactly impossible.
* I'm not "dissing" the TI-83+ series at all, just stating a fact.

Why do people always start attacking me for no reason, instead of thanking me for the additional insight I provided?

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 06:58 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Ranman  Account Info
(Web Page)

This article "smells"

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 22:09 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Steve Randle Account Info

Notice that this was posted on 1 April?
April Fools!

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 19:34 GMT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Nikky Southerland  Account Info
(Web Page)

No, he was referring to me.

Reply to this comment    3 April 2010, 05:51 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Tristan Sirrico  Account Info
(Web Page)

...EPIC FAIL on that joke, over half the people didn't get it.

Reply to this comment    8 April 2010, 01:35 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Steve Randle Account Info

That's just a sign that the joke was successful...No one's supposed to get it until April Fools is over.

Reply to this comment    12 April 2010, 01:40 GMT

Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Nosrettap  Account Info

April Fools!!!

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 06:06 GMT

Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Person Dude Account Info

Ha! Great April Fool's post.
Does this mean that if I write a quadratic solver for the 89, that I have to create a completely new one for the 83+, or would it still be "original" simply port it to the 83+.

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 13:37 GMT

Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Zeroko  Account Info
(Web Page)

If the intended submission is a TI-83+ BASIC quadratic solver, must it include an additional quadratic solver with it? Or does the main program satisfy the requirement in that case?

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 14:37 GMT

Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Lewk Account Info
(Web Page)

This post and mine after it clearly show that ticalc.org's commenting system is not multiuser safe. I suggest a mutex based thread locking system for the next ticalc redesign.

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 14:51 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Person Dude Account Info

Or you could run each post through the new "Quadratic Source Code Checker" and see if there are any keywords that are repeated. If the posts are close matches, the second will be invalid and not posted. :)

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 15:37 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
RixceU Account Info

Haha, happy April Fool's day!

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 01:52 GMT


Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
jestbsemple  Account Info

Yes, but there's a glitch in the system. Because your original intent was to submit a quadratic solver, the submission process gets confused and requires another quadratic solver to supplement the supplemental solver. You are required to supplement your first solver with a second solver, and your second solver with a third solver, etc. The submission form gets stuck in a recursive loop, and you are required to keep submitting original quadratic solvers ad infinitum. For this reason, it is suggested that you submit an original program _first_ to supplement the quadratic solver you wish to submit.

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 22:48 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Nikky Southerland  Account Info
(Web Page)

You figured it out! This was our secret plan to have an unlimited supply of quadratic equation solvers.

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 02:00 GMT

Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Lewk Account Info
(Web Page)

Do I need to include an additional a quadratic solver when I submit my quadratic solver?

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 14:43 GMT


Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Burak Gul  Account Info
(Web Page)

Thumbs up for your comment. :)

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 19:26 GMT

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