Hi,
Where does everyone see FireFly in a year or two from today? How about the developers?
First, I must say - that FireFly is a remarkable achievement for those who took part in this project! Some of what I like about FireFly - maybe over-looked by some, but here's a few.
The source-code structure, strict syntax and easy access keys.
Current Wish-List:
1) Separate Form1-View - from the Form1-SourceCode on tab bar - so that you can easily switch between the two. (not sure if this is already there) - but I don't see it.
2) Properties Selection, drop-down and selection improvements.
3) Hint-comments inserted in key areas - to help understand coding of key features. Example: ' Remember to call this function to activate.
4) Help file to explain "Key Features" better.
For example: Add an ActivX Control - Set it up etc... works fine. The help file does explain much of this - but it's all wrapped up in the same general long page - creating a long read to maybe find an answer.
Why not make it more user friendly.
Example: Search for SetEvents
Function YouOCX1_Events1_SetEvents (ByVal pthis As Dword, ByRef pdwCookie As Dword) As Dword
This function needs to be called to monitor it's events.
Regards
Mike
FireFly has been a remarkable achievement in my view. In its first year I have developed 4 significant applications, whereas previously it took months to construct a whole PB project.
As for the future, who knows? A certain amount could rely upon the direction that PB takes.
Andrew
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your support of FireFly. It has been a crazy first year for this product. The response to it has been overwhelming. It is continuing to grow and evolve every day. There is a new update that is close to being released (version 1.50). It includes major changes to the internal design of FireFly that will allow for much more rapid development of features in the future.
I noticed that you commented on the Help file. That's certainly a fair assessment :) Like most programmers, Help files are not the most exciting thing to write. With the new update, I am re-writing most of the existing file. Hopefully that will help a lot.
So, what will FireFly deliver in the coming year? I'm not 100% sure right now but I am throwing around a few ideas with several beta testers to see if I am out in left field! You can be sure that every new feature will be a step towards ensuring that FireFly users will be able to build applications more quickly and easier than ever before.
Stay tuned, FireFly has a bright future. :)
Quote from: TechSupportI noticed that you commented on the Help file. That's certainly a fair assessment :) Like most programmers, Help files are not the most exciting thing to write.
I find this to be the case with all the PB tools I have purchased, probaly because they all come from small developers. PwrDev, FF, Phoenix, Egrid, etc... they are all VERY powerful and usefull tools, but they are also in need a good help file.
All I can say is that when I went on the search for a replacement for the MDAC nightmare, I didn't think I would end up retooling completly. I mean that in a good way.
Quote from: John MessinghamAll I can say is that when I went on the search for a replacement for the MDAC nightmare, I didn't think I would end up retooling completly. I mean that in a good way.
John, you're not alone. I came from a very strong VB background and I know the horrors of VB application deployment. Having used PB/DOS for many years I took a look at what PB were up to. Once I realized that PB had Windows products then I seriously consider switching. First, I made several DLL's in order to get my feet wet (Cheetah grew out of that).
What really hampered me was the incredibly lacklustre editor and basically no visual designer (the MS Dialog Editor just doesn't cut it).
I think that PB'ers have more choice now than ever. There is something for just about everyone. Chris' EZGUI, Edwin's PwrDev, Dominic's Phoenix, and even PB's own PBForms.
Things can only get better as the new year unfolds.
You sound just like I was Paul. I had programmed in PB/DOS ever since I read their first article in DOS World Mag. I think back then they had a dial up BBS or something. I visited the page like one time and never knew they had Windows compilers. I saw an announcement for DLL compilers once, but didn't think it would be useful. Then one day I'm searching around and find out that they made a Windows and Win Console compiler. Bought them that very day.