User Guide: Libraries vs Core Classes

[eluser]oribani[/eluser]
[quote author="n0xie" date="1252675064"]
The distinction between a core class and a library becomes quite clear once you use them (which would make this whole discussion a waste of time), which is probably why no one has thus far complained about it. I'm not saying your point isn't valid, it just seems to me like you never actually tried using the framework, but gladly offer your opinion about it.[/quote]

I disagree. I think the user guide is well written -- it explains the rest of the system very well. I am playing with it as I work through the user guide, and don't have trouble understanding most everything. The only issue that I am pointing out is twofold: arbitrary nomenclature for some things and the confused use of "native libraries" and "core classes" that refer to the same thing on two separate pages.

[quote author="n0xie" date="1252675064"]
I would suggest using the framework for a week, and if you still have problems grasping what a core class is and where it differs from a library or an helper, I'm pretty sure the community at large will gladly guide you on your way.[/quote]

I think you're letting the user guide off too easy. Anyhow, this is exactly what I'm doing: I'm asking the community to clear up why on one page I see "native libraries" and instructions on how to extend/override them and the same instructions on the next page for "core classes" and from all I can tell, they are the same things. If it's such a simple distinction, why can't anyone post a quick reply explaining it? Otherwise, a simple "oh yeah, the manual needs to have that fixed" would probably wrap this up. But I haven't heard either one so far...

The discussion about the arbitrary nature of what a "helper" is versus "plugins", "libraries" and so forth is a tangential conversation - it might be nice for CI to consider better nomenclature for an even easier-to-understand user guide and implementation path, but it's not about someone being wrong and someone else being right, and not about any mistakes. This part is just talking about accurate language and so forth - just an interesting thing to discuss and contribute to the community.