i think the time is now for a real-time text box in RR

Sonicxtacy02 · 04-21-2008, 08:31 AM

i was working on my email plugin trying to figure a way to use a custom list as the message body so that it could be scrolled. This resulted in a HUGE level of frustration because there is no perfect way to display a standard sentence structure in a custom list. Therefore i went off looking for an element to add to rr that would allow a "label-like" appearance and structure with the "scroll-ability" of custom lists. I found a vb6 component called "real-time text box". In my limited testing it appears its just what to doctor ordered for things like email messages, descriptions, lyrics.. and more. Basically it appears on screen like a label... transparent background and all, but upon clicking the skin defined area for the text-box (TB) you can type using an external keyboard and see the text box update in real time (just the same way when posting a thread here for example). I can also take RR variables and set them as default text in the (TB), then click the (TB) and modify its contents and save a new variable or update the existing one. Commands like SELTB and SETTB would of course be added. The (TB) wraps text and preserves whatever format you apply likes returns and tabs. I personally think this is a VITAL addition to my movietimes and email plugins and i can see it being used in other peoples skins as well.

So i guess my question is... should i release this as a standalone or simply add it to my plugins? i think should i release it standalone i would first make it its own plugin for users to test before adding it to the rr source. This would ensure i could get all the bugs out before submitting to guino. What do you guys think?

carputer1 · 04-21-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sonicxtacy02

i was working on my email plugin trying to figure a way to use a custom list as the message body so that it could be scrolled. This resulted in a HUGE level of frustration because there is no perfect way to display a standard sentence structure in a custom list. Therefore i went off looking for an element to add to rr that would allow a "label-like" appearance and structure with the "scroll-ability" of custom lists. I found a vb6 component called "real-time text box". In my limited testing it appears its just what to doctor ordered for things like email messages, descriptions, lyrics.. and more. Basically it appears on screen like a label... transparent background and all, but upon clicking the skin defined area for the text-box (TB) you can type using an external keyboard and see the text box update in real time (just the same way when posting a thread here for example). I can also take RR variables and set them as default text in the (TB), then click the (TB) and modify its contents and save a new variable or update the existing one. Commands like SELTB and SETTB would of course be added. The (TB) wraps text and preserves whatever format you apply likes returns and tabs. I personally think this is a VITAL addition to my movietimes and email plugins and i can see it being used in other peoples skins as well.

So i guess my question is... should i release this as a standalone or simply add it to my plugins? i think should i release it standalone i would first make it its own plugin for users to test before adding it to the rr source. This would ensure i could get all the bugs out before submitting to guino. What do you guys think?

W3bMa5t3r · 04-21-2008, 12:15 PM

Not sure about standalone vs plugin, but I'm always up for testing for ya bro.

Just let me know.

JohnWPB · 04-21-2008, 05:34 PM

This sounds ideal! This would be a simple and major update to the way RR handles text boxes/Wrap and such. Presently its kinda tough to add stuff like this without using custom lists, and this has to be done all externally with scripts. Such in the lyrics display, as you mentioned, and like I use in my skin now. Right now I have to read the lyrics with an Autoit script, and break it up into lines, Looking for Cariage returns, line feeds and such) and then sending each line individually to Road Runner into a custom list. The way you mentioned would be as simple as reading the lyrics, and sending them to a RR variable. VERY NICE!

monkeyracer · 04-21-2008, 06:31 PM

I think having it as a standalone, as well as included in RRMail to show an example of it's use would be the best way. That way people like John and such can implement just the RTTB instead of having to strip it out of the RRMail plugin.

There are a lot of things that this can be implemented in, and would be a welcome feature.

I was looking at your plugin, while I was working on my wlmail.exe integration, and I thought that it would be possible to embed just the text body of the message from OE into RR, and leave the rest as buttons and labels. It's not quite where you were heading with it, but a possible solution if this doesn't work out.

EL CAMINO · 04-21-2008, 09:06 PM

i need it, so please make it available for the low level soldiers... LOL!

Blue ZX3 · 04-22-2008, 03:24 AM

"low level soldiers"...isn't that a bit degrading?

monkeyracer · 04-22-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Blue ZX3

"low level soldiers"...isn't that a bit degrading?

only if the low level soldier thinks they have a higher grade.

tundra2000 · 04-22-2008, 04:14 PM

yea go ahead and release it standalone, that way the right people can integrate it for the next RR release? this is definitely a useful item

liquid_smoke · 04-23-2008, 02:13 AM

just want to second the stand alone release. Ive been wanting this for a long time. There are several areas in my skin that can take advantage of this.

Thanks.

Sonicxtacy02 · 04-23-2008, 08:06 AM

ok there's enough interest to warrant a standalone version. When i get these focus issues i'm having straightened out i will release a beta.