Suggestions for the User Manual
Posted: 01 May 2025, 15:59
Dear V-REP Team:
As a senior user who has been using V-REP for more than a decade, I have always believed that it is an extremely valuable robot simulation software. Over the past ten years, I have not only completed a large number of robot simulation projects through V-REP, but also helped many novice users quickly master the software by writing technical blogs and creating instructional videos. However, the recent version iterations have greatly troubled me, and there has been a noticeable decline in the software's usability.
After a systematic review, the problems mainly focus on two aspects: First, there has been a significant adjustment to the function system. Many classic functions have been deleted or their implementation logic has been modified, making it difficult for projects developed based on older versions to be compatible. Second, there is a disruption in the documentation system. A large amount of the original function descriptions have been removed from the user manual, and some still-in-use API functions even have no official documentation support at all. The current version's function list is incomplete, and the explanations of the operating principles of core functions are also more concise compared to the past. Users can only explore the function logic through repeated trial and error, which undoubtedly greatly increases the learning cost and development risks.
As a user who has long been committed to promoting V-REP, I sincerely suggest that your team prioritize restoring the original user manual content or provide a complete comparison guide between the old and new version functions. A comprehensive documentation system can not only reduce the entry threshold for new users but also help long-term users smoothly transition to the new version, which is crucial for maintaining the stability of the user ecosystem. I look forward to your reply and improvement. I believe that with the efforts of your team, V-REP can continue to maintain its leading position in the industry.
As a senior user who has been using V-REP for more than a decade, I have always believed that it is an extremely valuable robot simulation software. Over the past ten years, I have not only completed a large number of robot simulation projects through V-REP, but also helped many novice users quickly master the software by writing technical blogs and creating instructional videos. However, the recent version iterations have greatly troubled me, and there has been a noticeable decline in the software's usability.
After a systematic review, the problems mainly focus on two aspects: First, there has been a significant adjustment to the function system. Many classic functions have been deleted or their implementation logic has been modified, making it difficult for projects developed based on older versions to be compatible. Second, there is a disruption in the documentation system. A large amount of the original function descriptions have been removed from the user manual, and some still-in-use API functions even have no official documentation support at all. The current version's function list is incomplete, and the explanations of the operating principles of core functions are also more concise compared to the past. Users can only explore the function logic through repeated trial and error, which undoubtedly greatly increases the learning cost and development risks.
As a user who has long been committed to promoting V-REP, I sincerely suggest that your team prioritize restoring the original user manual content or provide a complete comparison guide between the old and new version functions. A comprehensive documentation system can not only reduce the entry threshold for new users but also help long-term users smoothly transition to the new version, which is crucial for maintaining the stability of the user ecosystem. I look forward to your reply and improvement. I believe that with the efforts of your team, V-REP can continue to maintain its leading position in the industry.