Tcl/Tk in a Nutshell

Chapter 15. Hints and Tips for the Tcl Programmer

by Tom Poindexter

Tcl is simple compared with other computer languages. The Tcl(n) manual page, in just two pages, describes the syntax and semantics of the language with 11 concise rules. It’s useful to review this document.

Programmers familiar with other languages, especially shell languages and C, usually feel comfortable with Tcl quickly. Browsing programs written in Tcl helps new programmers understand the language. What may not be obvious in reviewing Tcl programs is the best way to get your programming tasks accomplished within the bounds of those 11 rules.

This chapter is designed to help new Tcl programmers better understand the Tcl language, especially when written code does not perform as expected or produces errors. Much of the material in this chapter was selected from postings to the Usenet newsgroup comp.lang.tcl. Beginning programmers often seek help with coding problems, and suggested answers are given. These postings, along with the author’s personal experiences, are presented here.

Note

Web addresses change over time. Use web search engines such as Yahoo!, AltaVista, Infoseek, and HotBot to help locate the Tcl FAQs if the links noted are out of date.

Other excellent sources of “how to” material available on the Web include these:

The Tcl Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), by Larry Virden

This is an up-to-date, comprehensive list of frequently asked questions and answers—well worth reading. See http://www.teraform.com/˜lvirden/tcl-faq/ ...