[haiku-development] Re: 18pt font GUI test
- From: Ingo Weinhold <bonefish@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: haiku-development@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 08 Jun 2007 22:53:09 +0200
On 2007-06-08 at 19:44:18 [+0200], Ryan Leavengood <leavengood@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
> On 6/8/07, Łukasz 'Sil2100' Zemczak <sil2100@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> >
> > Since I already did some font sensitivity patches in the past, I am
> > currently working on the Time preferences application to fix its font
> > issues in my free time (not much, but enough for my font sensitivity
> > obsession ;-)). Stefano mentioned to me about the layout system API a
> > while back, but I didn't have the time to look at it closer.
>
> This is why I want to get this article out. The biggest problem with
> the layout system is people don't know about it or how to use it.
>
> > Is using the layout system the preferred method for such tasks, or can
> > it be done 'the old way'? Another thing would be whether I should also
> > use this API in the PackageInstaller, or is it that it just doesn't make
> > any difference?
>
> In my experience so far, using the layout system results in better
> code: it is easier to read and add to and seems to be less code than
> when handling font issues manually. Actually there are several nice
> builders that make GUI generation easier in general. Ingo did a good
> job on this.
>
> So the point is I really think we should start using the layout system
> wherever it is needed. I'm sure it would be useful in the
> PackageInstaller.
While I'd also like to encourage people to start using it (and ideally give
some feedback), let me at least add a disclaimer: Besides missing
archivability and some polishing the framework itself is done, but not all
of the BView derived classes have been adjusted to be "layout-friendly"
yet. In most cases that should be a relatively easy task consisting of
adding one or more constructors that don't take the typical frame rectangle
and resizing flags, and, where necessary, implement the methods to report
the min/max/preferred size constraints.
I've recently started a small test app
(src/tests/kits/interface/layout/widget_layout_test/), that allows to check
whether individual widget classes behave correctly and I'm slowly working
my way through this list of classes, adjusting them accordingly. I'd gladly
accept assistence.
> Stephan also asked me about this, so I will put a priority on getting
> this article out and finishing some of my changes in the code to use
> the layout system (currently just the screensaver preferences.)
>
> Even though there is already a layout test application, I was also
> thinking of writing a small app which will help clarify how the layout
> system works and what its various parameters are. I will probably call
> it Playout :)
Nice. :-) My test app is really just an app testing the various concepts
and features. A more demoable sample-code-like app would be much
appreciated.
CU, Ingo
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