[boost] Re: [gui] The Big Picture

From: Matt S Trentini (matt_trentini_at_[hidden])
Date: 2004-12-30 08:00:45

Heya Chris and everyone!

> I'm a little surprised that nobody responded to my suggestion to complete the 
> survey of existing GUI libraries.

I'm unable to edit the Wiki - apparently my IP address is blocked for 
some reason.  Anyways, I wrote on my blog a few other GUI libraries that 
we should really take a look at, check it out here:

   http://tinyurl.com/6an9h

I will try and find time to comment on MFC, Win32, WinForms and 
wxWidgets which are the libraries I've had some exposure to.

> I'm concerned that unless we explicitly move to structure the conversation 
> now, it will implode.

After being away from the PC for awhile (really, it's healthy 
sometimes!) and reading up on all the postings about GUI-related topics, 
I'm a little concerned with how the discussions are heading.  I don't 
think it's that anyone is doing anything wrong, just that the topic is 
large and I worry that, because of the diverse interests, the discussion 
may fizzle.

Hopefully not.

For the record, I'm *definitely* interested in some form of Boost GUI 
library.

Personally, I'd love to see a lightweight, cross-platform, native widget 
library created.  As a _second_step_ I'd like to see a cross-platform 
'canvas' library created (allowing the drawing of primitives on the 
canvas).  The canvas component should be able to be hosted within a 
special widget in the widget library.

If we got that far I'd be happy.  :)

Skinning is not important to me (as it usually detracts from usability) 
and unit independance isn't such an issue for the widget library (though 
I think it's critical for the canvas library).  So, the widget library 
should be easier to write - though obviously we need to sort out things 
like events (John's work here on Win32Gui should be leveraged), layout 
management and, to a lesser degree, presentation issues like colours and 
fonts.

> Do you folks think this is a bad idea? Too much work? Or still thinking about 
> it?

Not a bad idea.  A fair chunk o' work.  Thinking about it a fair bit but 
it won't be consuming all of my spare time until a little way into the 
New Year.  Everyone needs a break!  :)

Sorry for the rambling message!

Cheers,
Matt