Topic: Group Project: Change item(s) to Layer [VOTE]

[alanjt]

I know the option to create a layer if it doesn't exist was negated, so I'm sure this will be too, but I'm going to say it anyway: What about an option to view the list of available layers in the drawing - sans XRef - and another option to view layers (that can be imported with ODBX) from a specified drawing (default being the defined template file)?

I definitely think the dialog should have a text box, so the user can type part of the layer and the list is filtered down to display only layers matching what's been typed so far.

[Lee Mac]

Can we agree to put a pin in it until later?  I think we still need to mock up the UI and decide what (if any) of the settings will be saved, and the save scope, before looking at how that data would be saved.

Agreed. 

As for the UI, here's a quick mock up of what I thought Se7en had in mind (as a basic 'first draft'):



Boss (Se7en?): Let me know if I'm going too far ahead or overstepping my 'duties' and I'll put the brakes on.

[JohnK]

perfect.

Well within range; we need to have good concepts and criteria before we get too far. Keep going.

[Lee Mac]

I know the option to create a layer if it doesn't exist was negated, so I'm sure this will be too, but I'm going to say it anyway: What about an option to view the list of available layers in the drawing - sans XRef - and another option to view layers (that can be imported with ODBX) from a specified drawing (default being the defined template file)?

Nice idea! - I could envisage representing this in the dialog perhaps as text above the list_box reading 'Select Layer From' with a popup_list listing the current drawing, the template file and a 'Browse...' option allowing the user to browse for an arbitrary file - then, the layers could be listed for the option selected.

I definitely think the dialog should have a text box, so the user can type part of the layer and the list is filtered down to display only layers matching what's been typed so far.

Another great idea - I agree.

[JohnK]

First, let me just say "Thank you" to everybody. Is it just me or do you guys think this is kind of fun?

Secondly, technically speaking theSwamp was added to my company's firewall "black list" (I had to do some "magic" to just be able to view theSwamp) a couple of weeks ago so my participation is limited to at home and at lunch when the firewall black list is turned off.

As most of you can see this project doesn't really have a deadline but i think we may need to add a one for our own sanity. There is nothing saying that we cant use this tool or the knowledge from it as a basis for a future group project so i want to recommend that we put a time limit on the criteria list and let the real fun (like meetings, documentation, development, testing, packaging, etc.) However, I think you guys are making some real good suggestions and progress so i also dont want to hinder that process. How would you guys feel about making a deadline on the addition of criteria? Something like: next Wednesday.

Thanx again.

[JohnK]

I know the option to create a layer if it doesn't exist was negated, so I'm sure this will be too, but I'm going to say it anyway: What about an option to view the list of available layers in the drawing - sans XRef - and another option to view layers (that can be imported with ODBX) from a specified drawing (default being the defined template file)?

Nice idea! - I could envisage representing this in the dialog perhaps as text above the list_box reading 'Select Layer From' with a popup_list listing the current drawing, the template file and a 'Browse...' option allowing the user to browse for an arbitrary file - then, the layers could be listed for the option selected.
<snip>

[grain of salt]: One of my reasons for not wanting to offer a DBX-Template file feature (my comment about the 50 lines grows to 500) was because i didn't want to use a "settings file" (or an INI file so to speak). My thought was that maybe not office uses the default template for new files as a repository for layers and other standards (my office doesn't). [/grain of salt]


I like that filter idea. I cant think of...you guys have some ideas? I think that would be really cool.

[Lee Mac]

First, let me just say "Thank you" to everybody. Is it just me or do you guys think this is kind of fun?

Definitely - its great to work together on something 

How would you guys feel about making a deadline on the addition of criteria? Something like: next Wednesday.

Fine for me.

I know the option to create a layer if it doesn't exist was negated, so I'm sure this will be too, but I'm going to say it anyway: What about an option to view the list of available layers in the drawing - sans XRef - and another option to view layers (that can be imported with ODBX) from a specified drawing (default being the defined template file)?

Nice idea! - I could envisage representing this in the dialog perhaps as text above the list_box reading 'Select Layer From' with a popup_list listing the current drawing, the template file and a 'Browse...' option allowing the user to browse for an arbitrary file - then, the layers could be listed for the option selected.
<snip>

[grain of salt]: One of my reasons for not wanting to offer a DBX-Template file feature (my comment about the 50 lines grows to 500) was because i didn't want to use a "settings file" (or an INI file so to speak). My thought was that maybe not office uses the default template for new files as a repository for layers and other standards (my office doesn't). [/grain of salt]

That's reasonable - lets keep it simple for now.

I like that filter idea. I cant think of...you guys have some ideas? I think that would be really cool.

Another quick mock-up with the Filter idea, (was thinking just a wild card filtering system):



With regards to code, I'm good to go on any part of the project, but of course, although this could be completed by one person, I understand the overall goal is to get as many members involved as possible so I would only focus on a particular sub (like dialog handling for example - I enjoy coding that  ).

My only reservation is in the case where a number of members have all coded the same part of the project - who is to decide which code is to be used? There are many ways to accomplish the same thing in LISP...

[JohnK]

yeah, thats why we need to elect a Boss (so (s)he can divide and delegate). ...this isnt a power trip or anything but since no one has elected to do it and i'm starting to see that the boss kinda needs some coding experience should i just toss my name in the hat for Boss?

[alanjt]

Another quick mock-up with the Filter idea, (was thinking just a wild card filtering system):

Should also give the option that if the full layer name is typed into the filter box, the objects are placed on that layer - make things quicker.

[alanjt]

This may sound crazy, but what about compiling this and any other tools we write together and offering an exclusive donate any amount to download from theSwamp? All proceeds going straight to Mark, of course.

[JohnK]

A wonderful idea alanjt! I vote that all current criteria discussions be halted until a majority vote on that suggestion is reached.

*thought* We can have:
1. a private forum.
2. open discussions but private SVN access where all code and docs are posted to.

I can see benefits and problems for both but i vote we close this project (when we start discussing the actual details) to non project members (create a private forum) immediately.

[kruuger]

Hi Everyone

I can't wait when you start work on something
How about multi-language support (for prompts and DCL) ?

kruuger

[Lee Mac]

How about multi-language support (for prompts and DCL) ?

Nice idea - you might have to do the translation though 

[kruuger]

How about multi-language support (for prompts and DCL) ?

Nice idea - you might have to do the translation though 

Yees, especially chinese, japan ... 
k.

[alanjt]

How about multi-language support (for prompts and DCL) ?

Nice idea - you might have to do the translation though 

I volunteer to translate English English to American English and remove all those crazy U's.