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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
Sid42 Account Info

It seems like this is an April fools joke.
Anyway, a quadratic equation solver is the easiest thing to make; however, i don't need to make one for my ti-89.
I wonder how people without a ti-83 plus would make a quadratic program.

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 17:16 GMT


Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Rob van Wijk  Account Info

With a genetic algorithm? It's not like there aren't enough "genes" already in the archive... :p

Reply to this comment    8 April 2010, 01:08 GMT

Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Tom Lake  Account Info

That's a shame! I wrote a virtual memory, real-time, preemptive multitasking, multi-user OS for the 89 and 92+. I can't for the life of me figure out how to write an original quadratic solver, though, so I can't submit my OS. I guess I'll just erase it and go back to playing minesweeper.

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 17:45 GMT


Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Drew DeVault  Account Info

Oh, who needs new OSes, honestly? We have about 9001 of those. What we really need is more quadratic equation solvers, which is why I wholeheartedly back this effort ;)

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 21:04 GMT


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

WHAT NINE THOUSAND!

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 23:06 GMT


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

HAHAHA!

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 21:43 GMT

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

damn it...
i was hoping for a better april fools joke lol

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 17:47 GMT


Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Rob van Wijk  Account Info

The joke itself isn't the best we've ever seen, but some of the comments here are pretty funny.
Pity I don't get to play with calcs anymore... :( I only visited today because I was curious about the April Fools joke. Shame on me...

Reply to this comment    1 April 2010, 21:51 GMT

Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
calcdude84se  Account Info

Hey, the article is not in a red border...
That's strange.

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 00:18 GMT


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

They only do that after April 1st, or after it's obvious to everyone that it's fake.

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 01:06 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Travis Evans  Account Info

Or if it's actually real... >:)

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 12:44 GMT


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

It's still blue! It must be real!!! ;D

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 20:54 GMT


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

Now it's red. They usually change it the day after.

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 21:44 GMT

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

Are comments also required to carry a copy of the quadratic formula? ;-)

(-b+/-sqrt(b^2-4ac))/(2a)

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 07:01 GMT


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

I reject your notation and substitute my own.

$\frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$

Reply to this comment    2 April 2010, 23:43 GMT

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

Kind of glad that this was fake news.
I imagine that there would be a limited number of ways to do a quadratic solver and still be 'original'.

Reply to this comment    3 April 2010, 22:13 GMT


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

I very much doubt that. I am pretty sure Rice's Theorem (see URL) would imply there are infinitely many implementations of any functionality, which can be as distinct as you care to specify.

On the other hand, most of these "original" quadratic solvers would probably be extraordinarily difficult to prove correct.

Reply to this comment    5 April 2010, 04:04 GMT

Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Tom Lake  Account Info

I know all about Rice's Theorem. It was my Uncle Ben who came up with it. It states that if you boil the rice too long, it gets sticky. I also shave with Occam's Razor and cut up my cabbage in accordance with Cole's Law.

Reply to this comment    7 April 2010, 12:52 GMT


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

I implied ones that can be programmed on an 83+ and/or perhaps on any graphing calculator; perhaps even on a computer.

Reply to this comment    8 April 2010, 00:34 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Rob van Wijk  Account Info

Well, technically speaking, the TI83 only has about 27 kB of user-accessible RAM. Which means there are only 2^27000 (give or take) different programs possible. Not all of those will be quadratic solvers of course and even among the quad solvers, there will be ones which are not "original" (write a solver in 200 bytes, put a Stop command and you have 26.8 kB of junk space to play with) but it's impossible for more quadratic solvers to exist. So yes, there is definitely a maximum number of quad solvers which can exist.

HTH,
Rob

ps. Yes, I know that programs can also be smaller than 27 kB. However, sum ( 2^x, x, seq ( x, 1, n ) ) [I hope I remember TI-BASIC syntax correctly ;) ] equals 2^(n+1) - 1, which is well within the range of "give or take"!

Reply to this comment    8 April 2010, 01:06 GMT

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

Where's the news for this year? D:

Reply to this comment    1 April 2011, 16:12 GMT


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

HOLY NECROPOST BATMAN!

Reply to this comment    3 April 2011, 06:55 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Changes in File Upload Procedures
Travis Evans  Account Info

Holy super necropost, Batman!

Reply to this comment    1 April 2012, 10:34 GMT

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