[wxPython-dev] 20071113 test build uploaded

[Robin Dunn]

Kevin Ollivier wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> Some quick notes from testing:
> 
> Overall:
> - I think the new XRCEd and Editra additions help give the toolkit a 
> considerably more modern feel. But one thing that stuck out with me is 
> that they come separate from the main package and are part of Demos and 
> Docs, although these are really neither. My personal experience has 
> shown that most new users like one big download with everything they 
> might need on it, and I can't really see people wanting to stick with 
> old versions of the demo, or editing tools when they upgrade wxPython. I 
> think our two packages should just be for those who want the whole 
> package - incl. demos, tools, etc. - and those who just want the library 
> and nothing else, personally.

The code for the tools actually is installed with the lib, along with 
the command-line launchers.  It's just the shortcuts on Windows and the 
mini App bundles on OS X that are installed from the 2nd file.  The 
original intent behind splitting them up was to have a way to provide 
just the what is needed for wxPython runtime without the stuff that only 
developers would be interested in.  I think that is still valid, 
although somewhat less so since most people are using py2app and py2exe 
these days for distributing apps.  Also, on Windows I'm able to have 
just one installer for the docs-demo-tools that can be used with any of 
the py-version/unicode/ansi runtimes, so that saves some space and 
up/download bandwidth.


> 
> - What would really rock is a 5 minute screen cast showing how to use 
> Editra and XRCEd together to create a wxPython Hello World application. 
> Not being familiar with XRCEd myself, I kinda felt my way around it but 
> I would have felt a lot more comfortable with a step-by-step here's what 
> to do sort of thing.

Good idea.

> 
> XRCEd:
> 
> - Really like the new XRCEd control browser. As a Mac user, though, I 
> instantly tried to drag and drop controls into the treeview (and later 
> the live preview)... ;-) Any way we can get that, at least the former, 
> to work? (Of course, I've had my problems with DnD and treeviews in the 
> past....)

I think that Roman had DnD working in the old version.  Perhaps it just 
hasn't been ported to the new version of the app yet.  Hopefully he will 
respond to your suggestions soon and will let us know.

> 
> - Also, the nice toolbar icons and Control browser icons causes some 
> contrast with the old-style treeview icons. IMHO it'd be great if we 
> could use the screenshot-like icons for those too.
> 
> - It'd also be nice if clicking on checkboxes, etc. caused immediate 
> changes in the preview. It seems changes are reflected only when you 
> switch tabs, but being able to make a change and see it's effect 
> immediately helps people explore the various options.

This is also something that was recently added to the old version of the 
app.  I expect that it can also be made to work in the new one. (I miss 
it too.)


> 
> - Any reason the icons couldn't be 32x32 on Mac? :-) IMHO that size 
> looks better on Mac than 24x24.

I agree.


[More good stuff snipped for now...]

-- 
Robin Dunn
Software Craftsman
http://wxPython.org  Java give you jitters?  Relax with wxPython!