Discussion of Open Source Power AddOn (Wizards) model !

[Chris Boss]

Mike;

One other important thing about the current code for the
AddOns is that I needed to demonstrate to others how
an application can "load" and "access" a DLL
(which is what the AddOns are) using LoadLibrary, rather
than explicitly defining the external functions in the DLL.

As you can see, there are absolutely NO Declare statements
in the IDE code, that use the format with:

LIB "some.dll"

The IDE doesn't have know the names of the AddOns in its source
code. They DLLs are "found" dynamically and "loaded" dynamically.

The technique used in the IDE code, is one used by C
programmers when loading external libraries.



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[Chris Boss]

Mike;

You are absolutely correct !

This is why you will notice that the UDT for starting up the
AddOn has 9 "unused" fields for future callbacks. I just created
the obvious ones, but I knew I would end up adding more before it
was finished.

The most important part of the AddOn is the ability to have
"maximum" control over the IDEs source code editor and this will
mean "more" callbacks.

The specs are "not" in stone yet !
They are being formulated as "Open Source" so I can get as many
ideas as possible. We have to start somewhere and then build upon
the foundation created.

Some things haven't been added yet, like the specs for an Icon for
the AddOn and other Flags to pass from the IDE to the AddOn.
I have only defined two flags and there many more that can be added.

The AddOn model "works" as intended in its current state so I
can start "testing" it with Kev Peels PowerIDE (and any others
interested in adding this to their IDE or in making AddOns).

My email address is :

mailto:[email protected][email protected]</A>

or

mailto:[email protected][email protected]</A>



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[Mike Joseph]

Hi Chris,
I was trying to send you an email but your address
isnt in your profile and I cant find it on your
website either. Could you send me an email?

For starters though, Im wondering about the scope
of capabilities that addons can have. What you've
posted so far seems like a good start but it seems
like there are lots of "hooks" from the IDE that
addons should also have access to which so far
havent been addressed. Obviously your spec is just
getting started, but i was wondering if I could talk
with you about the other hooks that should/will/might be
available. For now, id rather probe you for your thoughts
on this so i can get a better idea of things before I start
rambling on.

Thanks
[email protected]



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[Chris Boss]

for anyone who would like to discuss the "open source"
power addons (wizards) source code i posted in the
source code forum :

http://www.powerbasic.com/support/pb...ad.php?t=22807

i started this thread !

i am working with kev peel to help him impliment this concept in his
poweride and it is available for "all" ide developers as well.

we aren't suppose to discuss stuff in the source code forum, so i
started this thread.


note: open source means public domain and free


[this message has been edited by chris boss (edited september 18, 2000).]