New Code_Aster Website

psicofil

Hi, I see there's a new code_aster page (code-aster .org); it looks great.

However, I don't see how to access the forum from it.

Regards
Lucio

psicofil

Also in the documentation section, only the one associated with version 18 is available

AsterO'dactyle

Hello,

It is currently not possible to post documentation from previous versions.
This is because the new documentation format is in HTML, and it is dynamically generated by tools on GitLab that do not easily allow for increased capacity (just a few dozen minutes per month, which is far too little given the volume of Aster documentation!).
Other solutions are being explored, so please be patient...

Aleksander_M

Dear Code_Aster Team and Community,

I am writing to kindly ask for your help regarding access to the documentation for older versions of Code_Aster.

I noticed the new website is up, but it currently only hosts the documentation for the latest version (v18). I have read previous discussions and I completely understand that hosting older versions in dynamic HTML is currently problematic due to GitLab's repository size limits and the way the pages are generated.

However, due to the requirements of my current project and specific tasks, I am strictly tied to version 16. The lack of access to the v16 reference materials makes continuing my work very difficult. I imagine other users on v16 or v17 might be facing a similar issue.

I remember that in the past, the documentation used to be available in PDF format. Would it be possible to gather those previously generated PDF files (or a static HTML dump) and simply drop them as a single downloadable archive (.zip)? This package could be uploaded to any external server, cloud drive, or file-hosting service. This way, users could simply download the whole package locally to their machines without straining GitLab's limits.

I would be extremely grateful if you could help with this issue and consider this workaround. Having access to the v16 documentation is crucial for my current work.

Thank you very much in advance for your time and support!

Best regards, Aleksander M

tpa

Aleksander_M
I support the proposed availability of the pdf-documents for older versions.

mf

tpa
Why is this even a discussion?? This should be mandatory. Even Code_Saturne, which has a smaller userbase, has older documentation online:

https://code-saturne.org/doc/

And what is the current userbase of V18? 20 (at EDF) plus 10 to 20 in the rest of the world? Everyone else is using V17 (thousands?) or even V16 (hundreds of users?).

Mario.

AsterO'dactyle

Hello,

We are having trouble finding a technical solution with the new website and the change in management.
The V17 documentation is not “final”; the version continues to receive updates, which sometimes results in changes to the documentation.

In addition, we no longer produce PDFs

mf

AsterO'dactyle
I fail to see the "argument". The old pdfs V14, V15, V16 already exist. There's nothing holding you back to do the same as the Code_Saturne guys. But as always, wanting to do something and actually doing it are two completely different things.

People need documentation, there's no way out.

I have not downloaded V16 docs because I TRUSTED they will be available "forever". So all this does is generate a LACK OF TRUST.

Here's the V15 docs anyways:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fxKKd84n7m836gCLsZRkQoJdHl5kJ4Xr/view?usp=drive_link

I don't know if this is the complete docs, but it's a start. It took me 10 minutes. The webspace is free. So I have no argument NOT uploading it. That's why I uploaded it. The cost of webspace for this is about equal the coins I lose per year in my sofa.

Mario.

AsterO'dactyle

The change in the website and, above all, in the organizational structure has caused delays and a few problems. The code_aster development team is no longer handling the open-source aspect (in fact, to be more precise, the team has always done this on a volunteer basis, outside of their duties at EDF); EDF’s subsidiary SIMVIA is now in charge of it.

This new organizational structure is still a bit fragile, and we rushed the launch of the new website somewhat due to internal policy reasons, so some things are missing. However, the existing PDF documentation for older versions will likely be available again in the near future. For example, Google tools are prohibited at EDF.

Also, we’re in France: the country comes to a standstill for the entire month of August 😉

mf

AsterO'dactyle
The new website seemed a bit rushed, I agree.

France has a vibrant software industry, and many people are moving away from US based solutions.

I understand, merci.

AsterO'dactyle

I'm trying to explain the various minor issues we've had recently as honestly as possible. I'm sorry about that!

Aleksander_M

Hi AsterO'dactyle,

many thanks for such a candid and open explanation of the matter. I really appreciate it – that kind of transparency from developers truly means a lot to the community. I completely understand that the restructuring, handing things over to SIMVIA, and rolling out the new website all take time and bring about minor complications. And the August holiday season in France has its rights – you all deserve a rest!

I'd also like to take this opportunity to express my enormous gratitude to you, the whole team, and everyone involved. The fact that such a powerful tool as Code_Aster is made available under the GNU license and developed largely pro publico bono – often out of pure passion and after hours – is an amazing thing. You're doing a great job for the entire global engineering community.

I'm very glad to hear that the older PDF documentation will eventually make its way back onto the server. Those files aren't all that heavy, after all, so I really hope that once the main dust from the organizational changes settles, they can simply be uploaded for download. We'll keep an eye out for news and wait patiently.

Once again, big thanks for your effort, patience, and constant support here on the forum. Wishing you a successful (and peaceful!) rest of August!

Best regards,
Aleksander

AsterO'dactyle

Hello,

To help out, I asked a kind colleague who provided me with a (temporary) archive containing all the “U” type documentation for version 16 in PDF format.
I'll try to upload it somewhere later this evening.

AsterO'dactyle

sb1966

AsterO'dactyle To help out, I asked a kind colleague who provided me with a (temporary) archive containing all the “U” type documentation for version 16 in PDF format.
I'll try to upload it somewhere later this evening.

Thanks a lot and would be eagerly waiting..

Regards

LucasSovre

Hello everyone,

Thank you all for your feedback and patience on this topic. We heard you: the documentation for older versions (v14 to v17) is now back online on the website, alongside v18. You can switch between versions directly from the documentation page (see screenshot below).

We know how critical access to version-specific documentation is for your projects, so keeping it available will remain a priority going forward.

If you notice anything missing or broken with these "new old versions", please let us know here.

Have a good day,
Lucas

Version selector showing v14 to v18 documentation

jeanpierreaubry

LucasSovre
hello
it would be a good idea to include the address of the web site, would not it ?

mf

jeanpierreaubry

https://codeaster.gitlab.io/doc/docaster/manuals/man_u/other_pages/home/index.html

the drop-down is in the upper left corner :-)

Mario.

jeanpierreaubry

mf
thanks