[gtk-server] Re: GTK Server ".cfg" File

  • From: Sunburned Surveyor <sunburned.surveyor@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: gtk-server@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 16:05:23 -0800

Peter,

It's been a few months since I've had a chance to work with GTK-Server. But
I had the Flu this last weekend, so I was laid up in the house for a couple
of days and I had some time to play around with it and NewLISP.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your work on this great tool.

I've learned quite a bit of C-Programming since I spoke to you last, and
I've set up a Linux box at home, and at work. (I'm using Debian though, not
Slackware.) The C Programming language has proved more of a challenge than I
thought it would be. I'm am picking it up, but a slower pace than I would
like. I really got thrown with the whole subject of pointers, but I'm
getting a handle on it now.

At any rate, I've got a couple more questions for you.

[1] What is the purpose of the "gtk server-callback WAIT" function that is
included in the main loop portion of the GTK-Server/NewLISP demo? (I
couldn't find any info on this function in the GTK API docs, and I'm
guessing by the name that it is a function internal to GTK-Server.)

[2] It seems like the GTK-Server simply accepts GTK function calls and
arguments as a single string from NewLISP. Is this a correct observation? I
am really curious how the GTK-Server works. Do you parse those strings and
translate them into actual C calls? If so, how does this work? Are the
function calls in C compiled and executed as they are recieved, or are you
using some other mechanism?

[3] I'm interested in taking a look at the code for GTK-Server. I'd still
like to contribute improvements and assist with maintenance as my knowledge
of C programming improves. Is there any documentation on how the program
works, or should I just take a look at the source code and ask my questions
on this mailing list?

Thanks Peter,

Landon

P.S. - I hope to wrap many of the GTK-Server functions in NewLISP functions.
This will allow NewLISP users to use GTK GUI's without having to aquire an
extensive knowledge of GTK-Server. I'll keep you posted on how things work
out.


On 2/2/05, Peter van Eerten <administrator@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> Hi Landon,
>
> (1) My primary development platform is Slackware Linux (www.slackware.com
> ).
> First I take care the program compiles on Linux; the GTK-server is
> primarily
> intended to be used on Linux anyway. If everything works fine there, then
> I
> switch to Win2000 or XP to make a port.
>
> (2) The one and only on Linux: gcc (Gnu C Compiler). This has become an
> excellent compiler, and has proven to be stable and reliable. Everything
> in
> Linux is compiled with GCC, including it's kernel. On the Windows
> platforms I
> use the Windows-port of GCC which is known as "MinGW" (www.mingw.org). It
> is
> also nice to know that the GCC/MinGW compiler is free (like in "freedom"),
> and
> the resulting binary's can be used for any purpose.
>
> (3) Actually yes, I had programmed with GTK before, so for me it was easy
> to go
> on with the GTK-server since the API already was familiar. You could start
> using
> MinGW as well since your code might be easier to port to other platforms
> (like
> many Unix versions, Linux, MacOSX, and so on). Also GTK for Windows was
> ported
> using MinGW, though you can compile it with VisualC as well.
>
> The book I learned most from, is called "The C Programming Language"
> written by
> Kernighan and Ritchie. As I understand it, these 2 men have actually
> invented
> the C language, and who can explain better than the inventors themselves?
> Until
> today I lookup issues in this book.
>
> The GTK-libs hosted at Tor's page are used to develop with GTK. Those libs
> are
> needed for the GTK-server on the Windows platform as well (except for the
> actual
> source code of the GTK libraries). So the header files, the extra
> libraries,
> pkgconfig, etc... are needed - a lot of stuff to download.
>
> Again, my vision is coloured by my Unix background. Therefore I would
> recommend
> the GCC compiler. With MinGW on Windows, and also the MSYS shell, you will
> have
> extremely powerfull tools to develop with C. As IDE I always use VI
> Improved
> (www.vim.org), which, for first users, will be a very user-unfriendly
> interface.
> But the original VI is used as default editor in Unix, so I am used to it.
> And
> besides, VIM is created by a Dutch guy, and I am a little bit of a
> patriot...
> ;-)
>
> Bloodshed I've heard of, but never used.
>
> Regards
>
> Peter
>
>
> Citeren Sunburned Surveyor <sunburned.surveyor@xxxxxxxxx>:
>
> > Peter,
> >
> > I would like to learn some C programming so I can understand how GTK
> > Server works, and perhaps contribute to your efforts.
> > I purchased Sams "Teach Yourself C in 21 Days", and I'm getting ready
> > to dive in.
> >
> > I had a couple of brief questions for you before I get started.
> >
> > (1) Do you work on Linux or Windows? Or do you work with both?
> > (2) What compiler do you use?
> > (3) If I wanted to get set up for some programming with C and GTK on
> > Windows, would you be able to give me some pointers, or do you only
> > deal with GTK on Linux?
> >
> > I checked out Tor's page, but it was a little intimidating, and the
> > other GTK Page at dropline.net doesn't look like it is being
> > maintained anymore. I'm not running on Linux. (Not yet anyways, but
> > hopefully soon.)
> >
> > I was thinking of using Bloodshed Dev C++ for my IDE, or the CDT
> > Extension for Eclipse.
> >
> > What are your thoughts?
> >
> > Landon
> --
> http://www.gtk-server.org
>
>

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