As a NEURON beginner it is quite hard to find a solution to a specific problem either if I have a problem with writing hoc code or using the gui. I do know all the places to look at (programmers reference, NEURON site at Yale/Duke, NEURONDB, tutorials, manuals, NEURON Book), but as you can see by listing all these resources (and might have noticed yourself) it is a rather loose collection of information, partly outdated. (No offence intended here, I think developers are busy with other stuff!)
My idea was to start a Neuron Wiki. Most of the current knowledge base can be transerred simply by cut and paste and all users can easily contribute, which distributes the work effort (and most impotantly takes it away from the developers).
I would suggest to build templates for hoc classes and for gui entries, which have a similar scheme as the programmers reference (like: desscription, usage, example) but a little more detailed and where gui is always linked to underlying hoc codes.
Further I would suggest a slightly different organization of the Wiki than the programmers reference where info is orgnaized by topics. For instance I have organized bookmarks for the programmers references in folders like this:
This is only a personal favor, there is room for improvements and I think this should be discussed by all users.NEURON GUI
...
NEURON HOC
General oc syntax
Basic math operations
Data types
I/O
Create mechanisms
Compilation of models
Integration
Single cell
Anatomically detailed models
Network
Graphics
mk gui's
Optimization/Fitting
Simulation management
But first of all let me know what you think about it. I think it would make life easier for a NEURON user, although we have to put a bit of effort in first!
It is just an idea, but if everybody contributes a little, it can be done!
Cheers
Ullrich