Position statement: Why use CPCB?¶
There are any number of software packages and online options available that allow you to design PCBs. So why should you choose CPCB? CPCB is for you if:
You like a program that keeps simple tasks simple;
You just want to make a few boards for a project and get on with your life;
You like a what-you-see-is-what-you-get approach;
You like to switch between imperial and metric units fluidly;
You use CSchem for drawing circuits.
On the other hand, CPCB might not be for you if:
You need to specify arcane properties on your electronic parts for automated workflows;
Your projects are so complex that you really need an autorouter;
You need boards with internal layers.
A note on development¶
CPCB is being developed by an active research scientist. Practically, that means two things: On the positive side, it means that I have a vested interest in fixing bugs and improving CPCB, because I use it regularly. On the negative side, it means that, by and large, new features are added only when my students and I need them, and bugs are fixed when I have time. I certainly do welcome feature requests, but I cannot guarantee that they will get implemented quickly or at all. (If you are in a hurry, I will consider (paid) consultancy related to CPCB.) Finally, I definitely welcome contributions to either the code or the documentation. I would be very happy if CPCB turned into a community-supported open source project.