create/src/Mod/CAM/Roadmap/Functionality/Output Generation.md

🟩 Core Essentials

Features present or expected in a basic CAM package and necessary to perform the required tasks

Feature	Description	Assessment
G-code Generation	Translate internal tool path to machine-specific G-code dialect	DONE
Output Customization	Line numbers, comments, units (G20/G21)	DONE
Output review & edit	After the gcode is generated, the user should have the option to review it and edit before saving. They should have the option of editing in an external editor of their choice	Output review is done. Only uses internal editor which is poor

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🟨 Professional Grade

Features usually present or expected in the state-of-the-art applications

Feature	Description	Assessment
Preflight Checks	Catch and flag obvious problems before generating output	Sanity check can catch some errors. Requires running the check manually.
Post-Processor Customization	Control modal vs explicit axes, tool change blocks, headers/footers	Customization with flags in the Job output tab. Posts are inconsistent.
Advanced Customizatoin	Allow customization of output beyond the trivial. Allow customizing the post with an editing/customization tool	Requires editing the python file. Requires copying the post file to a specific location. Clunky and unintuitive
Subprogram Support	Generate G-code with subprograms and subroutines	NONE
Setup Page Generation	Instructions, checklists, warnings, and errors for the operator	DONE
G-code Decomposition	Break arcs/canned cycles into linear segments or explicit moves	NONE
Coordinate Conversion	Convert absolute to relative (G91), center arcs to relative (G91.1)	NONE
Coolant Control	Coolant control should be started at the most desirable point to avoid wasting coolant during a tool change or before it is actually needed.	Current coolant control turns on when the TC is loaded. Inefficient
Advanced g-code generation	It should be possible to write postprocessors to generate any valid gcode	Some gcode features are not possible

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🟦 Next-Level CAM

Features that would exceed industry standard

Feature	Description	Assessment
On-Machine Inspection	Generate code or triggers for probing/inspection routines	None
Multi-File Output	Support splitting G-code into multiple files	LImited
Tool Wear Compensation	Output tool wear adjustments via offsets or tables	None
Feedback Loop Integration	Closed-loop post processing using machine state	None
Direct-to-Machine Fabrication	Reimagine CAM → G-code → Machine as a seamless pipeline	None