This is a really exciting concept. Complicated to code, but for the end user it ought to make learning the Propeller a lot easier.
Some general thoughts, then some questions, then some ideas...
I find I code differently with a GUI. With a text based language, I start with a 'main' then start writing subroutines. With vb.net, I start with a form, add all the buttons and text boxes, then double click them and add the relevant code. Sometimes the code ends up quite small. I even found myself recently being quite lazy and not even defining or using strings - just manipulating text in text boxes (as it was easier to see what was going on). textbox1.text:=strings.left(textbox1.text,3)
So I'd love to see this sort of programming environment for the propeller.
Ok, questions:
Pseudo graphics I presume first (using the rom fonts) rather than real graphics?
Programming on a PC rather than on a propeller? (the graphics part might be possible on the propeller, but the spin glue and compilation of this will almost certainly be slow).
And if the programming environment is on a PC, what language to write this in? Ideally something windows and linux users can all contribute to?
So I guess you have an IDE with a form like that picture on the first post. Some selectable objects to drag to the form - label, text box, and button to start.
Down the track, one could add other useful objects. My favourite in vb.net is the 'timer' object which sits on the form but is invisible in the compile code.
Such a GUI program is very modular. One person could write the button code, another could write the checkbox code.
Bill, I think it will be easily adapted to TV and LCD, but you'll probably have to decide the target when starting a new project...
Dr_Acula, I think we're on the same page. But, at first, this will just be a resource manager and you'll have to use Prop tool to add in custom code.
But, maybe someday I can add it code editing ability. Not sure I'll do the funky colored backgrounds like the PropTool or not though [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Comments
Some general thoughts, then some questions, then some ideas...
I find I code differently with a GUI. With a text based language, I start with a 'main' then start writing subroutines. With vb.net, I start with a form, add all the buttons and text boxes, then double click them and add the relevant code. Sometimes the code ends up quite small. I even found myself recently being quite lazy and not even defining or using strings - just manipulating text in text boxes (as it was easier to see what was going on). textbox1.text:=strings.left(textbox1.text,3)
So I'd love to see this sort of programming environment for the propeller.
Ok, questions:
Pseudo graphics I presume first (using the rom fonts) rather than real graphics?
Programming on a PC rather than on a propeller? (the graphics part might be possible on the propeller, but the spin glue and compilation of this will almost certainly be slow).
And if the programming environment is on a PC, what language to write this in? Ideally something windows and linux users can all contribute to?
So I guess you have an IDE with a form like that picture on the first post. Some selectable objects to drag to the form - label, text box, and button to start.
Down the track, one could add other useful objects. My favourite in vb.net is the 'timer' object which sits on the form but is invisible in the compile code.
Such a GUI program is very modular. One person could write the button code, another could write the checkbox code.
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www.smarthome.viviti.com/propeller
Dr_Acula, I think we're on the same page. But, at first, this will just be a resource manager and you'll have to use Prop tool to add in custom code.
But, maybe someday I can add it code editing ability. Not sure I'll do the funky colored backgrounds like the PropTool or not though [noparse]:)[/noparse]
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My Prop Apps:· http://www.rayslogic.com/propeller/Programming/Programming.htm
My Prop Info: ·http://www.rayslogic.com/propeller/propeller.htm
My Prop Products:· http://www.rayslogic.com/Propeller/Products/Products.htm
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Nyamekye,
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My Prop Apps:· http://www.rayslogic.com/propeller/Programming/Programming.htm
My Prop Info: ·http://www.rayslogic.com/propeller/propeller.htm
My Prop Products:· http://www.rayslogic.com/Propeller/Products/Products.htm
Should have some code up soon.
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Nyamekye,