Working on CPM v3
Posted on Wed, 2011-12-21 14:00
I'm working on *many* changes for the next release of Corona Project Manager and thought I'd give you a peek the most visible changes.
Jay
Replies
Posted on Wed, 2011-12-21 21:53
#2
So you know, I am willing to work with beta software!
Posted on Wed, 2011-12-21 23:30
#3
Yeah, it's not an accident that it resembles Xcode -- I figured those guys spend a lot of money/time figuring out user experience and so if I'm going to ride someone's coattails, it may as well be someone like Apple. :)
In the right side bar will be multiple things (drop down menu at the top choose what you want) such as:
Properties - right now only for folders, projects, and files, but eventually for other things that I'm not telling about yet.
Functions - the list of functions in the current file, as well as bookmarks, and possible some other "jump to" things.
Snippets - An easier way to access snippets, including those code pieces that aren't asset-related.
Docs - Highlight a keyword and the info about it will show up. (This one may not make it into v3 but the foundation will be there at that point).
More stuff later...
Jay
Posted on Thu, 2011-12-22 00:18
#4
Honestly Jay, with those described: Snippets, Functions and Docs it will become more than awesome!
The snippets is very handfull by any meaning when coding IMO.
The functions also but even better be knowing the number of functions we`re using in our code.
The Docs, wow...awesome to feel studying even while working! ;)
Yeah, definitely that`s such a great news! Thank you.
PS: The Xcode looking like visual is just a right idea of yours. haha (Why reinvent the wheel?)
Merry Xmas!
Cheers,
Rodrigo.
Posted on Thu, 2011-12-22 02:05
#5
yeah, great news, jay!
I love to work with CPM and this looks like it will make development even more fun!
absolutely looking forward to it!
2012 will be a year of WIN!
-finefin
EDIT: in your screenshot it says "Jan 15, 2011" --- I guess you mean 2012 do you? or did you actually manage to build the flux capacitor ?!?!
Posted on Thu, 2011-12-22 03:41
#6
...or maybe the date is specified in the Arabic Hijri calendar :-D
v3's look'n good anyway !
Posted on Thu, 2011-12-22 04:48
#7
Very interesting relooking, going the right way : more place for coding :)
Posted on Thu, 2011-12-22 14:08
#8
Looks real nice, if you add split view then you'll win over all Sublime Text2 users but when I think about it Xcode has that too.... Looking forward to the update, any betas out yet?
Posted on Thu, 2011-12-22 15:05
#9
I vote for split view as well. That is the one thing from other text editors that I miss daily.
Posted on Thu, 2011-12-22 16:47
#10
Wow, I already screwed up writing 2011 when I meant 2012 -- I usually wait until January to start doing that. :)
Hoping for a beta release right after the first of January -- I'll be posting a link in here when the time is right -- kind of hard to get much work done right now. (Scrooge mode)
I don't want to be a downer, but split view won't be coming anytime soon, I don't think. Honestly, I have no idea how to code something like that, although I haven't sat down and thought about it, so it could turn out to be "easy" -- but I have a hunch that it's not. :)
More room for coding, yes. You can hide the project pane, the terminal, and the new right-side properties pane and use the entire area for code.
Also looking at a way to keep the terminal window closed while you code and then automatically open the terminal pane when you launch. I can do that with a setting in Prefs, but then it's global and happens with every project. I'm thinking more along the lines of "compiler directives" (even though CPM isn't a compiler) such as:
--#cpm terminal
...and some other options that have totally fled my mind right now (but are off in my to-do list). :)
Jay
Posted on Fri, 2011-12-23 03:39
#11
Were are the screens ?
Posted on Fri, 2011-12-23 08:19
#12
I don't want to be a downer, but split view won't be coming anytime soon, I don't think. Honestly, I have no idea how to code something like that, although I haven't sat down and thought about it, so it could turn out to be "easy" -- but I have a hunch that it's not. :)
For a quick test, try duplicating the view that holds the current lua file, and make sure you can edit it in both windows, and have the changes reflected in both.
If you pass the same reference to the open file, to each window, that should allow editing in either window, and still have the changes reflected in the same file..... that would be my non-coder guess of where to start....
I am not looking for the nice UI functionality, where you drag on a portion of the scroll bar to split the view. I will settle for the Photoshop version, where you can open multiple views of the same file. I can reposition the windows myself.
Posted on Fri, 2011-12-23 14:03
#13
Where are what screens, Danny?
Mike, yeah, that's the direction I'll head, but typically you pass the data into a control and it handles it from there -- it's not just a "view" into the data, otherwise two views into the same data would work fine.
I'll do some research into it and see what I can find -- although finding stuff like that explained isn't always easy. It's not really a mass-market kind of thing. :)
Jay
Posted on Fri, 2012-01-13 17:53
#14
gettin' closer....
Posted on Sat, 2012-01-14 11:48
#15
> gettin' closer....
Yes, although not quite as close as everyone wants. I just modified the picture that started this thread to be more realistic. :)
And while I moved away from an actual date, I expect it to be in the first half of Q1, not the second half. I'm hoping to have it in the hands of the testers before the month is over.
Jay
Posted on Sat, 2012-01-14 14:48
#16
Just looked at that picture again - properly this time :)
I'm loving the ticks for assets that are in or out and how the unticked ones are greyed. Nice!
Posted on Sun, 2012-01-15 07:42
#17
That's starting to look pretty sexy. Having the terminal below the tabs is a stroke of genius as I tend to have a million things open now I don't have to remember where I was working when flipping to the terminal tab.
Any plans on a preview copy??
Chris.
Posted on Sun, 2012-01-15 08:01
#18
I don't know if it's on the feature/bug list, but for windows, please check :
- block comments
- the ability to use the key altgr (and type {, [,...)
Posted on Sun, 2012-01-15 11:51
#19
Very interesting; looking forward to it, particularly if it fixes difficulties with copy/paste and apply [[ ]] blocks to code. (OSX)
I'd say my top two requests right now though:
1. Logic support for one line if sequences (i.e.: if something == something then dothis() end...is not handled correctly by the function bracket tracker)
2. Methods to keep it light. That properties bar is fine, I'm sure, but on a limited size display like this I'd definitely like the option to adjust its size or disable/minimize it. :)
Posted on Sun, 2012-01-22 16:56
#20
Would love to beta this! Been using xCode and text Wrangler as of right now.
Posted on Sun, 2012-01-22 17:03
#21
My killer feature for CPM would be the ability to launch the corona build process directly with profiles, version, xcode sim or file selected.
When testing features that only work in hardware or Xcode like web or Facebook its a lot of clicking each time to make a build.
I like the new interface changes.
Posted on Thu, 2012-01-26 04:29
#22
Hi,
Any news regarding release ?
Regards
Tom
Posted on Thu, 2012-01-26 16:22
#23
I'd like it if when I triple-click on a line, it highlights (selects) the whole line to copy/cut/paste.
Posted on Thu, 2012-01-26 16:27
#24
Still eager to try this out! :)
Posted on Sat, 2012-02-04 04:49
#25
any news regarding 3.0 release ?
Regards
Tom
Posted on Sat, 2012-02-04 16:11
#26
No real news -- not news that people want to hear, like, it's done tomorrow or anything like that. As many people know, CPM doesn't make me a living, so I do other things on the side every once in a while. That's basically what happened to January -- a freelance gig that should have lasted a week still isn't done, so CPM dev got pushed aside.
However, last week I decided I needed to devote at least an hour or two a day to CPM -- even BEFORE doing the paying work.
And the good news is that I got to the point in v3 where v2.x doesn't work for me anymore (database changes) which means I can't fire up CPM to answer tech support questions, try out code, etc. That's bad news for me, but good news in a way because it *really* gives me an incentive to get this thing out the door. :)
As a red-blooded American I'll be watching the Super Bowl tomorrow (for the commercials, because who freakin' cares about two east coast teams playing?!?!?) but I'll be doing it from my desk where CPM v3 will have most of my attention.
Ask me again in a week how things are going and I think I should have some better news. :)
Jay
Posted on Sun, 2012-02-05 01:22
#27
the only super bowl I pay attention to is this super bowl full of tasty cereals and milk *nom nom nom*
:)
-finefin
Posted on Sat, 2012-02-11 13:28
#28
any news ?
Regards
Tom
Posted on Mon, 2012-02-13 13:26
#29
Not quite yet. And just so you don't think it's a "problem" that's holding things up, it's simply the sheer amount of "stuff" CPM does combined with the limited time I find myself with right now.
In order to make the interface changes I had to replace some of the actual controls CPM uses. So lots of little things needed to be hooked up to the new controls. I did just get it to the point where I can use it, but there are still things that a normal user would find too frustrating.
Example: When you add an asset to a project it doesn't show up until you click a different project and then back. It's still there and usable, just not showing in the list. Same when you delete one -- it's gone, but still shows until the project list gets refreshed.
Little things like that. And it seems there are an almost endless supply of those little things. :)
I could just have my own version of "Daily Builds" and let people experiment with it, but due to a change in the database once you switch to v3 you can't switch back. (Note to self -- automatically make a backup copy of the current database when people upgrade to v3.) So it's not like you could pop back and forth from one to the other (on the same machine).
I know there are some people who like to live on the bleeding edge -- I just don't want to be the one to blame if you open a vein because it's not quite solid enough. :)
Jay
Posted on Mon, 2012-02-13 13:58
#30
Jay,
Why not release alpha / beta version for testing ? At least for paid customers. I can risk and use 3.0 even when no switch back option would be available.
Regards,
Tom
Posted on Mon, 2012-02-13 14:02
#31
I am happy with my current version as it is and don't mind waiting for the next one. :)
Posted on Mon, 2012-02-20 14:10
#32
Ive heard that in 3.0 there will be option to order soft drinks ... remotely ... without the tips :P
But seriously, any update ?
Regards,
Tom
Posted on Mon, 2012-02-20 14:52
#33
While it would be cool if sales of CPM paid all the bills, it doesn't. Almost, but leaves enough of a gap that every once in a while I need an influx of cash from somewhere else and so in mid-January I took a two-week freelance gig that Will. Not. Die.
Honestly, it's the project from hell (or from the outskirts, anyway) and it reminds me why I got out of the web-app development biz a few years ago.
So that has been the main hold-up for the last month -- it's sucking all my time (and most of my soul) and the one good thing is that it has strengthened my resolve to build the tools for Corona SDK game/app development that *will* pay all the bills.
But I have to get this project beaten into submission, first. I finally am seeing some light at the end of the tunnel and am hoping to wrap it up within the next week.
That said, I *did* sneak some work in on CPM yesterday and killed an annoying bug. It's to the point where I could probably send a copy to people named Tom (and others) except I'm seeing a crash with the final build that I'm NOT seeing with the dev version, which means debugging is very hard -- no way to step through the final build.
But I will keep poking at it and will try and keep you updated of bugs squashed and progress made so you'll know it's still coming. :)
Jay
Posted on Wed, 2012-02-22 13:25
#34
Jay,
That would be nice :) I am eager to test it :)
Regards,
Tom
Posted on Wed, 2012-02-22 13:29
#35
Jay,
I'd be happy to take a poke at the release version for you, as well.
Posted on Wed, 2012-02-22 23:56
#36
...and I can check out dual screen to single screen behaviour (and do a stand up test on XP if you want it).
Posted on Tue, 2012-02-28 03:11
#37
Jay,
And what about the special edition called "2.8 and a half" before 3.0 will be released ;-) ?
Tom
Posted on Tue, 2012-02-28 13:16
#38
At the risk of being too open, the main holdup (besides my lack of time the last month) has been a bug in the editor code. For those who like to watch videos of bugs happening, you can see that here (or, you can go watch grass grow - same level of excitement):
http://instantvideowebpages.com/play/notmplvid.php?799
That has been popping up randomly for the last few weeks -- in fact, it happened so much over the weekend that I ditched v3 part way into the 48-Hour Challenge and finished my stint using TextMate. You *know* that had to hurt! :)
The (very) good news is late last night I discovered a minuscule set of steps that will repeat the problem every time. And those of you who have done serious debugging know that's at least half the battle.
That has been the hold-up for getting an alpha version of v3 into certain peoples' hands, but as soon as that's fixed I'll put up a download link. Because the rest of the stuff that still isn't hooked up still allows you to get actual work done.
Jay
Posted on Mon, 2012-03-05 10:39
#39
Jay,
Sorry for repeating my self over and over again.... but i am curious about changes in 3.0.
Maybe you could share with us a video which describe in short major features, not just showing one particular function with details.
Regards
Tom
Posted on Mon, 2012-03-05 11:00
#40
To be honest, I think this thread is perhaps evidence enough for Jay to just do a quick "weekly update" post. That way folks here get a small idea of what Jay is up to and Jay doesn't have to worry about every "pls tell me 3.0 status" post, even if it's just "bugfixing today" :)
Posted on Mon, 2012-03-05 11:15
#41
Great, but please remember not to spend 80% time on writing things about work on the web and rest 20% on doing this work :)
Tom
Posted on Tue, 2012-03-06 15:09
#42
Yes, letting people know what's happening more frequently is probably a good thing.
The freelance project that had me all wrapped up is pretty much finished at this point, so I'll be switching back to CPM as a primary focus starting this afternoon.
For those of you who see me dining with games and stuff (such as the updated adventure game blog posts on GameDevNation.com) and wonder why I'm doing those things rather than getting freaking CPM v3 out the door!!!1!!!1!..
1. I do need a "brain break" from work every once in a while.
2. More importantly, most of that stuff is done in bed at night on the iPad where I can't work on CPM anyway.
Not to sound too defensive or anything. ;)
I need to track down the source of the editor bug and get that fixed before I do anything else, so that's at the top of the list for now.
Jay
Posted on Wed, 2012-03-07 15:29
#43
When there's something significant to report I'll make a post here, but I just created a new Twitter account for CPM that I'll use as a running changelog and history thing.
https://twitter.com/#!/@cpm_coronasdk
I'll be tweeting what I'm working on, what I just got done, what's next, etc. I'll be kind of using the feed to help myself keep track of what I'm doing, what I was working on before getting up for lunch, etc.
It may NOT be something you want to follow, but it's there in case you want to take a peek at the progress.
Jay
Posted on Sun, 2012-03-11 04:49
#44
Making some good progress on v3 this weekend. Just got the new image previewer working. It allows you to zoom in and out, set a selection to get the coordinates of that, etc.
Below is a picture showing some of that.
Jay
Posted on Sun, 2012-03-11 09:13
#45
Cool! You never mentioned that before! Is this going to be like Steve Jobs "one more thing"? :)
Posted on Sun, 2012-03-11 18:27
#46
Hehe, no secret use for it at this point. It just seems like I always needed to know where something might sit on a background screen, so decided to add the ability to make selections and see the coordinates.
And if it serves as the base for something else "more advanced" later, well that's good, too. :)
Jay
Posted on Mon, 2012-03-12 20:48
#47
Okay, just wrapped up the Preview portion of CPMv3 and put up a quick video so you can take a look at it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RCZLiZxcqs
For those *ready* to beta test, I just need to tweak a couple more things -- we're getting really close.
Jay
PS - And yes, those of you DMing me, even though I don't like pre-announcing "big" features a visual debugger is coming in 3.1 -- you won't be left out of the fun. ;)
Posted on Fri, 2012-03-16 16:00
#48
Thought of this last night and decided to add it today -- instead of using the CPM logo for the project icon in the list, I look for a file in that project named Icon.png and if I find it, I resize it (internally - I leave the real file alone) and use that for the project icon.
It's a "little thing" but I think it's a nice thing. :)
Jay
Posted on Fri, 2012-03-16 16:25
#49
nice with the icons :)
eagerly waiting for beta announcement :)
Posted on Sat, 2012-03-31 17:14
#50
Working hard on v3 this weekend -- to help tide you over until it's ready, here's another sneak peek video:
http://youtu.be/awD_ARv8rvA?hd=1
It was inspired by the color picker in Codea for the iPad and even though it's a "little" thing it makes that part of development so much nicer/easier.
Jay
WOW Jay!
What a good news! :)
Awesome the terminal be already attached at the bottom IMO! (looks like XCode).
Looking forward to be getting this beautiful update soon.
Nice work!
Cheers,
Rodrigo.