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DonationCoder.com Software => Older DC Contests and Challenges => N.A.N.Y. 2010 => Topic started by: doctorfrog on November 05, 2009, 03:27 AM

Title: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 05, 2009, 03:27 AM
I'm looking for something fairly basic, but very specific: A rotating, automatic-prompting personal text log.


MOST IMPORTANT THING: POLITENESS

A reminder/diary system should never, ever, EVER steal focus away from what I'm working on. EVER! Something like this should help with workflow, not interfere with it.

Example: I love EssentialPIM's features list. I hate how it steals my attention and my keyboard focus when I'm working. Of course, it refuses to respect TweakUI's "don't steal focus" setting. I'm on XP, and will continue to be in the foreseeable future (I'm broke), so I can't make use of W7's enhanced focus stealing prevention feature.

Thus, nearly any solution I can cobble together on my own won't work, because all reminder applications I've tried ALWAYS insist upon stealing focus, no matter what I do.

Barring that, I'd still be happy to accept any light, portable software capable of the bullet list above. (.NET and JAVA apps need not apply.)

I already know I can use Notepad to do this in conjunction with basic reminder software, but that option lacks the rotating backups and the 'politeness' feature.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 05, 2009, 03:34 AM
This would actually be pretty easy to write in AHK.  Let me see what I can come up with.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 05, 2009, 05:38 AM
great idea doctorfrog  :Thmbsup:

a couple of thoughts:

A reminder/diary system should never, ever, EVER steal focus away from what I'm working on. EVER! Something like this should help with workflow, not interfere with it.
-doctorfrog (November 05, 2009, 03:27 AM)
I would suggest that it stay on top though (that's maybe presumed - but just in case!)

Hitting ENTER makes the window go away. No other interaction is necessary.
If the window shows on top without focus - you'd then have to give it focus & then press enter - that would work. Otherwise I'd suggest not using ENTER - in my experience (with App103's "Instant Boss" app) hitting the Enter key at the 'wrong' time sends the reminder window away unintentionally, sometimes before I even see it. Could be done via a hotkey or maybe even with the mouse?
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 05, 2009, 06:10 AM
I can make it pop up on top of all windows but not activated/focused.  Also, I have a working prototype of this Frog Diary almost ready to go.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 05, 2009, 06:12 AM
I can make it pop up on top of all windows but not activated/focused.  Also, I have a working prototype of this Frog Diary almost ready to go.
-skwire (November 05, 2009, 06:10 AM)
;D ;D
tester here ;)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 05, 2009, 06:49 AM
Hang tight...just finished implementing the archiving routine.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: yksyks on November 05, 2009, 06:51 AM
Try Stickies (http://www.zhornsoftware.co.uk/stickies/). I'm not sure if it fulfills all your requirements, but at least it doesn't steal focus, which is much appreciated.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 05, 2009, 07:34 AM
Give this a shot:  FrogDiary (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/snacks/FrogDiary.zip)

Notes:
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 05, 2009, 11:06 AM
well, awaiting a response from dr.frog...
I gotta say it's very nice :-*  - I'll chance a couple of requests :-)


[edit] maybe that's bad manners - to make requests before drfrog approves - apologies if so [/edit]
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 05, 2009, 11:23 AM
great idea doctorfrog  :Thmbsup:

a couple of thoughts:

A reminder/diary system should never, ever, EVER steal focus away from what I'm working on. EVER! Something like this should help with workflow, not interfere with it.
-doctorfrog (November 05, 2009, 03:27 AM)
I would suggest that it stay on top though (that's maybe presumed - but just in case!)

Hitting ENTER makes the window go away. No other interaction is necessary.
If the window shows on top without focus - you'd then have to give it focus & then press enter - that would work. Otherwise I'd suggest not using ENTER - in my experience (with App103's "Instant Boss" app) hitting the Enter key at the 'wrong' time sends the reminder window away unintentionally, sometimes before I even see it. Could be done via a hotkey or maybe even with the mouse?
-tomos (November 05, 2009, 05:38 AM)
Give this a shot:  FrogDiary (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/snacks/FrogDiary.zip)

Notes:
  • Put the executable in its own folder since it will create an "archive" folder on first run.
  • Press ctrl-enter in a diary note window for a newline.  Simply pressing Enter will save the note and close the window.
  • Right-click the tray icon to bring the Options window back up.
  • This is a quick prototype.  If it's close to what you had in mind, I'll flesh it out like my other apps.

-skwire (November 05, 2009, 07:34 AM)
Skwire to the rescue. I'll be giving this a run-through over the next hour or two. Thanks!

In the meantime, tomos, thanks for testing this out with me. If you find that this proggie is also useful, your input is just as valid as mine is.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 05, 2009, 02:04 PM
Ok, feedback time!

First of all, this is really good. I've been wanting something like this for a while. Nice and simple, no proprietary formats or ridiculous runtimes. I also see that on certain minor details, you anticipated things I was looking for, but did not explicitly state. Thank you and well done!

Here is my feedback. All items are feature requests, unless otherwise stated. Please let me know if anything needs clearer explanation, doesn't seem worth the effort, or just flat out isn't doable. I might be able to plead my case either way.  ;)

Bold: Very important
Normal: moderately important
Italicized: nice to have, but can live without

Feature Requests:

Popup:
   

Logfile:

Tray icon:

Timestamps (affects popup, logfile, and logfile entries):

Hotkey:

Me:
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: rgdot on November 05, 2009, 02:05 PM
This is great and nice idea too, thanx. May be just a small tweak, the popup position be configurable, not important obviously.

EDIT: Any chance, much like the Icon Menu Launcher for example, ExitApp can be incorporated into it? Even though this needs to start at intervals of course

(I am already thinking of using the log or data collected over time and importing them into a richer format for future browsing)

Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 05, 2009, 04:49 PM
Two more minor requirements:
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 06, 2009, 12:49 AM
Wow...lots of replies and requests.  I'll try to answer them all.  That initial build only represented about an hour of work so, obviously, there is plenty of room for improvement.

  • one request would be that it stay on top until properly dismissed - currently can get lost behind other apps
  • It would be nice if one could call it up manually to add a note
  • oh yeah, it uses a 12 hr clock?
    e.g. the saved text file says 20091105 05:53:35:
    Windows time said 17:53
-tomos (November 05, 2009, 11:06 AM)

1) Already implemented.
2) Yes, I'll add a hotkey as well as an option to the tray menu.
3) Hmmmm...it should have shown as:  20091105 11:12:02 PM: <entry text here>
Personally, I'd like to use military time (24hr clock) but not everybody likes that.

  • Yes, I should have put that in my list. Behavior should be on-top, unfocused, and ENTER dismisses only if it's in focus.
  • Given that one might want to enter a diary entry at any time, or may have accidentally dismissed a popup before creating an entry,
  • I should have also said: the app should live in the system tray, but the popup should appear in the task bar and be visible during ALT+TAB.
-doctorfrog (November 05, 2009, 11:23 AM)

1) In my latest build, it pops up as AOT and un-focused.  In other words, it should work how you like now.
2) [Skipped]
3) Hmmm...the app does live in the tray and the popup is visible in the taskbar and via alt-tab.  Or, were you making a general statement here and not a request?

Ok, feedback time!
First of all, this is really good. I've been wanting something like this for a while. Nice and simple, no proprietary formats or ridiculous runtimes. I also see that on certain minor details, you anticipated things I was looking for, but did not explicitly state. Thank you and well done!
-doctorfrog (November 05, 2009, 02:04 PM)

Thanks for the kind words.

Popup:
  • user-configurable sound on popup event (this can be included in the options dialog, or can default to .\alert.wav)
  • toggle: taskbar blink on popup event (blink/no blink)
  • toggle:
    a: (default and current) ENTER dismisses popup and creates entry, CTRL-ENTER creates new line in popup text field
    b: (alternative setting) ENTER creates new line in popup text field, CTRL-ENTER dismisses popup and creates entry
  • remember last position
  • stay on top if lose focus
-doctorfrog (November 05, 2009, 02:04 PM)

1) Sound...sure, can do.
2) Taskbar blinking...how many times?  Configurable?
3) Enter/Ctrl-Enter functionality.  Sure.
4) Position saving.  Absolutely.
5) In the latest build, it stays on top regardless.

Logfile:
  • user-configurable carriage return in between logfile entries (1,2,3 (or n) carriage returns, 1 is default)
  • toggle: ENTER on popup with no text creates/doesn't create an empty entry in the log (doesn't create is default)
  • user-configurable file extension (.txt is default)
  • MINOR BUG: Currently, if there is no empty line to write an entry to, the entry is written to the previous line. (this happens if the log is opened and edited, and no carriage return is inserted at the end of the document). Desired behavior: automatically insert carriage return as necessary when writing a new entry.
-doctorfrog (November 05, 2009, 02:04 PM)

1) CRs between entries.  Hmmm...kludgy.  What I'd rather do is, eventually, build a viewer that would display the entries.
2) Blank entries.  Fixed in the current build.
3) I'd rather not make this user-configurable.  I'd rather choose a new extension and go with that.
4) Missing CR bug: This is better solved by coming up with a simple format to the actual diary files.  This would also allow for the aforementioned viewer to be built.

Tray icon:
  • right-click menu on systray icon: Diary entry, Options, About, Exit
  • double-click on systray icon: popup shows, no event sound
  • user-configurable tray icon, provide default (can use creepy frog icon at http://turbomilk.com/downloads/zoom_eyed/)
-doctorfrog (November 05, 2009, 02:04 PM)

1) Sure, had planned to if this prototype was what you had in mind.
2) Can do.
3) Can do.

Timestamps (affects popup, logfile, and logfile entries):
  • user-configurable timestamp in logfile entry
  • user-configurable timestamp in logfile name
  • user-configurable timestamp in popup titlebar
  • user-configurable timestamp format can be UNIX style string, ie. %a_%d_%H%M (see http://bb4win.sourceforge.net/bblean/docs/bblean_details.htm#Clock_Formatting)
  • all three of the above can feed off of one setting, or off of individual settings for each.
-doctorfrog (November 05, 2009, 02:04 PM)

I underestimated the response regarding this app so, with that in mind, I would say:
1) Entry timestamp: I'd rather move to create a simple standard format for the entries and build a viewer for them.  Your thoughts.
2) Logfile timestamp: If we can agree on a permanent file extension, I would agree to this.  Otherwise, it adds needless complexity to the app, IMHO.
3) Titlebar timestamp: Can do.
4) Any reason for this?  I mean, AHK has all the tokens necessary already.

Hotkey:
  • user-configurable hotkey to bring up popup
  • user-configurable hotkey to bring up options dialog
-doctorfrog (November 05, 2009, 02:04 PM)

1 & 2) Can do.

Me:
  • I can assist with writing a readme.txt if necessary, and finding a suitable application icon.
  • I can also attempt to compose a FrogDiary icon with my horribly limited GIMP skills and access to some clip art.
  • Using sfxr (http://gog.is/sfxr), I've created a few sample alert sounds for the app (attached).
-doctorfrog (November 05, 2009, 02:04 PM)

I think the frog icon you mentioned above is a great choice for the application icon.  Also, some names we could call this in sticking with the whole amphibian theme :D :


I'm sure Cranioscopical will chime in on this...he can't resist.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 06, 2009, 02:49 AM
EDIT: Any chance, much like the Icon Menu Launcher for example, ExitApp can be incorporated into it? Even though this needs to start at intervals of course
-rgdot (November 05, 2009, 02:05 PM)

Are you asking for a File, Exit menu bar on the popup?
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: rgdot on November 06, 2009, 02:58 AM
Are you asking for a File, Exit menu bar on the popup?
-skwire (November 06, 2009, 02:49 AM)

No, I meant the following:
When pressing enter not only does the window go away but the program closes too (doesn't remain in tray)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 06, 2009, 04:20 AM
not sure if this has been requested
(but I'll chance repeating it ;) I dont have time to reread all those requests lol):

Option for systemwide hotkey (customisable if possible) to close the window for when I dont want to interact with the app (I have it set to come up very often)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 06, 2009, 04:23 AM
No, I meant the following:
When pressing enter not only does the window go away but the program closes too (doesn't remain in tray)
-rgdot (November 06, 2009, 02:58 AM)

Hmmm...the application has to continue running in order to keep popping up the window at the specified times.  Or, am I misunderstanding you again?   :huh:
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 06, 2009, 04:24 AM
not sure if this has been requested
(but I'll chance repeating it ;) I dont have time to reread all those requests lol):
Option for systemwide hotkey (customisable if possible) to close the window for when I dont want to interact with the app (I have it set to come up very often)
-tomos (November 06, 2009, 04:20 AM)

Can do.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: rgdot on November 06, 2009, 09:44 AM
Hmmm...the application has to continue running in order to keep popping up the window at the specified times.  Or, am I misunderstanding you again?   :huh:
-skwire (November 06, 2009, 04:23 AM)

No, you didn't misunderstand. In my first post above I did say that I understand that this needs to pop up at the specified times.
I was only thinking out loud, trying to find a way to not have this open all the time.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 06, 2009, 11:07 AM
Wow...lots of replies and requests.  I'll try to answer them all.  That initial build only represented about an hour of work so, obviously, there is plenty of room for improvement.
-skwire (November 06, 2009, 12:49 AM)
Thanks for taking the time to make the additions. I really like what we have so far.

To save time and sanity, I'll directly address your questions and clarifications, skipping over unimportant things:

Feature request (yes, more):
User-configurable location for log files. Archive will continue to be a subfolder of this location.

Possible bug:
I left my PC running overnight, whereupon it went into Standby. I started it again today and notice that FrogDiary did create a new logfile, but did not move the old one into archive. Not a big deal as-is, but once we get a viewer the expectation for smarter automation will be greater.

A general curmudgeony statement about a viewer:

I like text files. They're simple, portable, and viewable a year from now or a hundred years from now. I'm not opposed to a viewer at all (indeed, I could definitely see a use for it), but I do request:
Why: The last thing I want is to cram all this personal info into a database or an XML file (not that this is necessarily where this is headed). With Firefox, EssentialPIM, Outlook, Thunderbird, Pidgin, etc., I have plenty of non-human-readable databases holding my personal data. I barely can be arsed to dig through their individual data viewers, and I'm up a creek if the database file becomes corrupted. This selfish little software request of mine started out as a means to escape the tyranny of other bloated, proprietary productivity software. (Rant ends here.)

That said, I still consider this app to be the work of another (if not a community) and will not complain if it evolves accordingly. If other features makes it useful to others, I'm happier for it!

I'm going to do some brainstorming on the file format and the viewer, and get back to you later in the day. I'll see if I can't get a sketch up as well.

--frog
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 06, 2009, 01:03 PM
Hey look I wrote another impenetrable wall of text.  :tellme:

Viewer paper prototype (see notes at end):

[attachthumb=#1][/attachthumb]

File format and viewer brainstorm:

Requirements:

Logfile Sample:
[Select]
[[[[What are you doing?]]]]
[[[personal_log]]]
[[20091106 09:03:00 AM]]
[20091106 09:07:00 AM] - Eating a sandwich []
[20091106 09:35:00 AM] - Working on TPS reports []

Format:
External viewer should be smart enough to only need six bits of data:
1. Title
2. Logfile Name
3. Logfile Timestamp
4. Entry Timestamp
5. Entry Content (following the timestamp)
6. EOL Marker (following Entry Content)
That's it.

Elements:
Title

Logfile Name

Logfile Timestamp

Entry Timestamp

Entry Content

EOL Marker

Viewer Example:
Viewer sees the data in the logfile sample (way up at the top of this post) and presents it as follows:

Notes:

Illustration notes:
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 06, 2009, 01:06 PM
Points:

When I mentioned file format, I was just thinking something VERY simple.  As in, no more complex than it needs to be to parse reliably.  Maybe something like:
§ 2009-11-06 14:30:56
<Entry - 1st line>
<Entry - 2nd line>
<Entry - 3rd line>
§ 2009-11-06 15:30:56
<Entry - 1st line>
<Entry - 2nd line>

I like the name Anuran as well so feel free to come up with an extension.  anu/ana/anr/ann...whatever.

Regarding your concerns about a viewer...don't fret.  I love straight up text files as well.  I wasn't thinking of anything more than a simple listview for the entries and an edit field to display the text.  The neat thing about a viewer is that I can parse and display ALL the log files' entries at once in the listview.  Maybe add a simple search functionality and call it done.  Very simple.

So far today, I've implemented the following:

    + Made popup window always-on-top.  (Thanks, tomos)
    + Made application single-instance.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added option for wave file play on popup.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added option to flash the taskbar on popup.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added Enter/Ctrl-Enter options to popup.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    * Popup window now remembers its last position.
    ! Blank entries are no longer saved.

Also, I've spoken with Mouser and, due to the interest and ideas, I'm going to make this my NANY 2010 entry.  I hope nobody minds.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 06, 2009, 01:12 PM
Hey look I wrote another impenetrable wall of text.  :tellme:
Viewer paper prototype (see notes at end):
-doctorfrog (November 06, 2009, 01:03 PM)

Holy moly.  :o  I wasn't thinking anything nearly that complex.  Again, I was just thinking of a simple listview and edit field.  Perhaps a search option.  Maybe an option to display all the text from all the logs in one shot.  So, trying to keep this simple but still useful.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 06, 2009, 02:40 PM
It sounds like we want the same thing in terms of simplicity, so please just take my spec as suggestion and the fleshing out of an idea, nothing more. I've written for some pretty persnickety folks, so being extremely specific is a force of habit.

In the end, I'm happy with a polite popup, and automatically archived text files.

The .anu extension works for me.

I'm also totally stoked that you're using my idea for NANY. Let me know if I can help out with any drudgery.

Looking forward to a snapshot!
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 06, 2009, 03:57 PM
Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.1 - 2009-11-06
    + Made popup window always-on-top.  (Thanks, tomos)
    + Made application single-instance.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added option for wave file play on popup.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added option to flash the taskbar on popup.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added Enter/Ctrl-Enter options to popup.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added hotkey to bring up options dialog.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added hotkey to bring up the popup immediately.  (Thanks, tomos)
    + Added hotkey to close the popup at any time.  (Thanks, tomos)
    + Added option to not show options on startup.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added "Show popup" to the tray menu and made it the default
      double-click action.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    * Popup window now remembers its last position.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    ! Blank entries are no longer saved.

No changes were made regarding timestamping and file handling.  I wanted to get the main options out of the way first before concentrating on that aspect of the program.  I'll work on it more later; need some sleep right now.   :)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: mouser on November 06, 2009, 04:04 PM
ill put a vote in for no viewer and plain text files; lots of good search tools out there if we need to search.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 06, 2009, 09:47 PM
It's looking real good so far, more or less feature complete. The icon goes better with it than I thought it w- ALL HAIL HYPNOFROG.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 07, 2009, 02:10 PM
Since we've decided on the .anu extension, here is how I would like to handle the writing and archiving of logs.  If you agree to this, then adding custom timestamp formats for the log files would be a snap to implement.  Also, the custom log folder will be easy to implement as well.

1) The current log will be written to the app's folder as "current.anu".  Basically, no timestamp on the filename at this point.
2) When the archiving routine fires, the "current.anu" will be moved into the archive folder using whatever timestamp format the user has set.
3) Collisions will get the "[1]" addition or however you would like that handled.

If the log filename timestamp format includes the time, collisions should rarely happen.  Also, I think I'm going to add a button to the Archive tab that will allow the user to initiate the archive routine immediately.  Your thoughts?
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 07, 2009, 06:20 PM
I was actually going to suggest this exact method of archiving. Glad you anticipated it. Needless to say, I approve.

1. File collisions could be avoided if the filename included the time as well as date. However, I find [1], [2] to be personally acceptable.

2. Right-click option to Archive current log = good thing.

3. An advantage to using current.anu is that when the viewer is invoked, it can easily be programmed to display the most current logfile. Obviously, it should not lock this file when it is being viewed.

4. I see the viewer as a separate .exe from Anuran. From the limited comments in this thread, there are some who want one, some who don't, so a separate viewer would please both crowds.

If you don't mind another of my drawings, here's another mockup of a simpler two-pane viewer layout. (Stick with whatever you feel works best, however):

[attachimg=#1][/attachimg]

Notes:
0. Proposed viewer names: Anuview, Anuvu, Anuran Viewer
1. The panes and window itself would be resizable, of course.
2. The items in the logfile pane would be organized according to file datestamp, or according to the first datestamp contained within the file itself, in case the file properties get messed up by Windows.
3. On startup, Anuview defaults to current.anu. Logfile pane defaults to \archive, but the current.anu is always displayed on top.
4. If Anuview is started by double-clicking on a .anu file, it displays the file, regardless of where it is, plus any other .anu files that are in the same directory as the .anu file it is displaying. This is for folks who end up moving their logfiles around.
5. Do we want a full-on file tree in the logfile pane, or just a 'flat' list of logfiles in \archive?
6. Ignore the titlebar and status bar ornamentation, they come from bblean's skinning engine.
7. And yes, I basically took a screenshot of MiniAim, and cut and pasted around.

Blue-sky possibilities:

1. If you apply a 'tail' function to the viewer, it could even auto-update the contents, which provides a fingertip-ready view of the last x hours of entries. I worry a little about people who want to tail their own personal log, but it does provide a quick answer to the question "Now, just what the hell have I been doing the last hour?"

2. An automatic vertical timescale that visually measured the time between each entry would still be a pretty neat Stupid Coding Trick.

Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 08, 2009, 07:03 PM
Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.2 - 2009-11-08
    * Cosmetic changes to the Options Popup tab.
    + Added configurable timestamp for archived logs.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added configurable timestamp for popup titlebar.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added configurable timestamp for note entries.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)

Edit: Removed older screenshots.


1. File collisions could be avoided if the filename included the time as well as date. However, I find [1], [2] to be personally acceptable.
2. Right-click option to Archive current log = good thing.
3. An advantage to using current.anu is that when the viewer is invoked, it can easily be programmed to display the most current logfile. Obviously, it should not lock this file when it is being viewed.
4. I see the viewer as a separate .exe from Anuran. From the limited comments in this thread, there are some who want one, some who don't, so a separate viewer would please both crowds.
-doctorfrog (November 07, 2009, 06:20 PM)

1) Correct...putting the time in there, especially with seconds, should avoid any collisions.
2) I will add this in the next build (along with customisable archive folder).
3) The viewer will never lock the file.
4) Hmmm...I'll give this idea some thought.

If you don't mind another of my drawings, here's another mockup of a simpler two-pane viewer layout. (Stick with whatever you feel works best, however):
Notes:
0. Proposed viewer names: Anuview, Anuvu, Anuran Viewer
1. The panes and window itself would be resizable, of course.
2. The items in the logfile pane would be organized according to file datestamp, or according to the first datestamp contained within the file itself, in case the file properties get messed up by Windows.
3. On startup, Anuview defaults to current.anu. Logfile pane defaults to \archive, but the current.anu is always displayed on top.
4. If Anuview is started by double-clicking on a .anu file, it displays the file, regardless of where it is, plus any other .anu files that are in the same directory as the .anu file it is displaying. This is for folks who end up moving their logfiles around.
5. Do we want a full-on file tree in the logfile pane, or just a 'flat' list of logfiles in \archive?
6. Ignore the titlebar and status bar ornamentation, they come from bblean's skinning engine.
7. And yes, I basically took a screenshot of MiniAim, and cut and pasted around.
-doctorfrog (November 07, 2009, 06:20 PM)

Zero-relative.  Hehehe.
0) I like AnuVu best.  =]
1) Agreed.
2) Well, pick one.  I would prefer to go off of filename, personally.
3) Can do.
4) Sure.
5) Flat list.  Trees in AHK are a pain in the arse.
6) Yep, I run bbLean as well.
7) No worries; this is extremely close to what I had in mind for a simple viewer.

Blue-sky possibilities:
1. If you apply a 'tail' function to the viewer, it could even auto-update the contents, which provides a fingertip-ready view of the last x hours of entries. I worry a little about people who want to tail their own personal log, but it does provide a quick answer to the question "Now, just what the hell have I been doing the last hour?"
2. An automatic vertical timescale that visually measured the time between each entry would still be a pretty neat Stupid Coding Trick.
-doctorfrog (November 07, 2009, 06:20 PM)

1) Should be doable.
2) Probably not going to happen.  =]
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 08, 2009, 10:59 PM
1. The download is for the 1.0.1 build. Screenshots are tantalizing, though.

2. I agree that having the viewer sort logfiles according to the timestamp in the filename is best, I was just concerned that if the user can change the filename timestamp to whatever he wants, AnuVu would get confused.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 09, 2009, 03:14 AM
Gah...it helps if I actually upload the new build.  Soz.  It's there now.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 09, 2009, 12:06 PM
Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.3 - 2009-11-09
    + Added a "Play" button to the Popup tab to allow preview of the chosen .wav file.
    + Added configurable log folder.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added "Archive now" button to the Options Archive tab.

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ][ You are not allowed to view attachments ][ You are not allowed to view attachments ][ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 09, 2009, 04:35 PM
wowee :)
got a bit of catching up to do :D
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 09, 2009, 07:40 PM
We're lookin' real good here. Using this build now.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 09, 2009, 07:44 PM
Cool.  I'll work on the viewer (vu-er? ;D) next.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 10, 2009, 05:12 AM
To this point, does the functionality work as desired?
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 10, 2009, 05:21 AM
hi Skwire, I'm only starting to use it this morning,
so far I can say:

~ hotkeys are working well,
~ I just had a quick look at the log (I have it set to archive once a day), the 24 hour clock is looking good

One very minor thing - when I press Ctrl+Enter to go to new line, it jumps down two lines
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 10, 2009, 05:30 AM
Have people considered using this for basic time-tracking ?
e.g. if I always lead my note with say ARD for project #1 & SURV for #2 etc,
then if I was able to sort notes alphabetically (& by time) I could roughly see how long I was working on each project

The idea has been in the back of my mind - to be honest I havent really considered it practically beyond what I've written here - just throwing it out there as is ;)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 10, 2009, 06:19 AM
One very minor thing - when I press Ctrl+Enter to go to new line, it jumps down two lines
-tomos (November 10, 2009, 05:21 AM)

Hmmm...odd.  It doesn't behave that way for me.   :huh:
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 10, 2009, 07:50 AM
One very minor thing - when I press Ctrl+Enter to go to new line, it jumps down two lines
-tomos (November 10, 2009, 05:21 AM)

Hmmm...odd.  It doesn't behave that way for me.   :huh:
-skwire (November 10, 2009, 06:19 AM)

anyone else getting that behaviour ?

just for the record:
XP SP2 up-to-date
cant think of any thing else that could be relevant. (maybe the settings? see below)

Settings
[Settings]
G_Options_Startup=1
P_Interval=6
P_Type=Minute(s)
P_Text=Entry
P_Sound=
P_Flash=0 times
P_Enter=1
P_Timestamp=yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm
A_Interval=1
A_Type=Day(s)
A_Text=Log_
A_Timestamp=yyyy_MM_dd-HH-mm
A_Folder=F:\Portable\Anuran
N_Timestamp=yyyy-MM-dd @ HH:mm:ss
H_Popup=!A
H_Popup_Win=1
H_Options=
H_Options_Win=0
H_Popup_Close=A
H_Popup_Close_Win=1
P_X=39
P_Y=34
P_W=312
P_H=95

Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 10, 2009, 08:23 AM
Try interim build 1.0.3.9 and see if that fixes it.  I used a different method for the enter/ctrl-enter strokes in this version.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 10, 2009, 08:47 AM
Try interim build 1.0.3.9 and see if that fixes it.  I used a different method for the enter/ctrl-enter strokes in this version.
-skwire (November 10, 2009, 08:23 AM)

:) sorted  :up:
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 10, 2009, 11:05 AM
:) sorted  :up:
-tomos (November 10, 2009, 08:47 AM)

Great.  Thanks for the report.


Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.4 - 2009-11-10
    ! Fixed a bug where using using ctrl-enter to start a newline in a note
      resulted in two newlines.  (Thanks, tomos)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 10, 2009, 01:01 PM
Teaser screenshot:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 11, 2009, 02:02 AM
Everything is still working great here. Looking forward to AnuVu  :D

Have people considered using this for basic time-tracking ?
e.g. if I always lead my note with say ARD for project #1 & SURV for #2 etc,
then if I was able to sort notes alphabetically (& by time) I could roughly see how long I was working on each project

The idea has been in the back of my mind - to be honest I havent really considered it practically beyond what I've written here - just throwing it out there as is ;)
-tomos (November 10, 2009, 05:30 AM)

I've actually been having similar thoughts. This idea has always been a very simple time-tracker/personal blotter for me, but it would be interesting to see a script that could:

1. parse out the individual entries and separate them into categories based on the first word in each entry
2. Then, it could conceivably 'guess' the amount of time between tasks and types of tasks, by measuring the difference in time between the entries.
3. From there, the data can be measured on a time scale, or with graphs, and so forth.

This is all completely beyond the scope of my original request, of course. I'm very happy with what I have so far. For now, you might actually be able to do something like this with a spreadsheet and a fistful of Anuran logs.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 11, 2009, 05:27 AM
Everything is still working great here. Looking forward to AnuVu  :D
-doctorfrog (November 11, 2009, 02:02 AM)

Good to hear.

I've actually been having similar thoughts. This idea has always been a very simple time-tracker/personal blotter for me, but it would be interesting to see a script that could:
1. parse out the individual entries and separate them into categories based on the first word in each entry
2. Then, it could conceivably 'guess' the amount of time between tasks and types of tasks, by measuring the difference in time between the entries.
3. From there, the data can be measured on a time scale, or with graphs, and so forth.
-doctorfrog (November 11, 2009, 02:02 AM)

1) This would be easy.
2/3) This, currently, would not be easy.  If Anuran was to go this route, I would have to take out the custom timestamps to the log files as well as the entries and replace them with a full, standard one.  Otherwise, it's conceivable that a user could use a timestamp format that didn't contain all the necessary bits to do this calculation.  Does that make sense?
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 11, 2009, 07:40 AM
will one be able to search all log files via the viewer ?
or would you recommend using another app?

Re: the timetracker idea -
one would really have to indicate when you're starting on a project & when ending - otherwise:
if all other entries are filtered out you wouldnt know at which times you began / ended
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 11, 2009, 08:06 AM
we might be reinventing the wheel with the time-tracker idea
I was just having another look at Skrommel's TaskLog - mind you after doing a search I see I had a problem with hibernation (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=4358.msg60956#msg60956) which I use relatively often (my computer has problems with standby)

TaskLog (https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Skrommel/index.html#TaskLog)
You define your tasks - it logs amount of time spent on each (asks at user selected intervals)
Saves in a csv file, which it can also sort before opening (in Notepad)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 11, 2009, 08:23 AM
will one be able to search all log files via the viewer ?
or would you recommend using another app?
-tomos (November 11, 2009, 07:40 AM)

A simple text search would be easy to implement since each entry is properly delimited with a "§`r`n" sequence.

Re: the timetracker idea -
one would really have to indicate when you're starting on a project & when ending - otherwise:
if all other entries are filtered out you wouldnt know at which times you began / ended
-tomos (November 11, 2009, 07:40 AM)

Right...this is where it gets fuzzier since custom timestamps are allowed.  Furthermore, I haven't designed Anuran with this in mind.  It's not really a time-tracker.  It's more of a "what were you doing/thinking/feeling at said time" application.  This behaviour is more in line with doctorfrog's original request.

I'm a fan of the "one tool for one job" way of coding.  With that in mind, I think there are plenty of time/project trackers out there that do a much better job than anything I could code.  Please don't take this as me discounting your suggestions, tomos.  I really appreciate the feedback.   :) :) :)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 11, 2009, 08:36 AM
will one be able to search all log files via the viewer ?
or would you recommend using another app?
-tomos (November 11, 2009, 07:40 AM)

A simple text search would be easy to implement since each entry is properly delimited with a "§`r`n" sequence.
-skwire (November 11, 2009, 08:23 AM)

that would be nice (= one vote)


Right...this is where it gets fuzzier since custom timestamps are allowed.  Furthermore, I haven't designed Anuran with this in mind.  It's not really a time-tracker.  It's more of a "what were you doing/thinking/feeling at said time" application.  This behaviour is more in line with doctorfrog's original request.

I'm a fan of the "one tool for one job" way of coding.  With that in mind, I think there are plenty of time/project trackers out there that do a much better job than anything I could code.  Please don't take this as me discounting your suggestions, tomos.  I really appreciate the feedback.   :) :) :)
-skwire (November 11, 2009, 08:23 AM)

no worries Skwire ;) - just an idea, I was unsure of it myself & realised it might not be suitable
(BTW I like TaskLog a lot but never really used it due to aforementioned problem - so I've bumped that thread)

Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 11, 2009, 10:01 AM
I've got an idea that I think will make the viewer work well with a search...

1) The left-side listview will have checkboxes for each entry.
2) The contents of all checked entries will display in the right-side edit field.  Call this the "current view"
3) A toolbar will be at the top with buttons for quickly checking/unchecking all entries, etc.
4) A search field along the bottom of the listview will allow for find-as-you-type search capability within the "current view" and will then display only the entries that contain the searched string.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 11, 2009, 11:25 AM
This is what I'm talking about:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 11, 2009, 11:46 AM
sounds very good to me just refreshed & got your last post:
LOOKs very good to me :D

'edit field' sounds great (does that mean I can actually 'edit' - presumably copy text at least?)

Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 11, 2009, 11:50 AM
'edit field' sounds great (does that mean I can actually 'edit' - presumably copy text at least?)
-tomos (November 11, 2009, 11:46 AM)

I think I'm getting carried away again !!
But copyable text would be great
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 11, 2009, 11:52 AM
I have it set as read-only (not disabled) since the view can show multiple .anu files at once.  So, no editing but you can certainly copy it out of there.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 11, 2009, 12:16 PM
Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.5 - 2009-11-11
    + Added AnuVu viewer.  Launch it directly from its executable or from the File or tray menu of Anuran.


Keep in mind that this is the initial release of AnuVu.  Lots of room for improvement.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 11, 2009, 12:27 PM
This is what I'm talking about:
 (see attachment in previous post (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=20516.msg184273#msg184273))
-skwire (November 11, 2009, 11:25 AM)
Impressive. I wasn't aware that we could take it this far. I like the idea of search more now, because of the possibilities of "log clog." Without some sort of search, there will eventually be so many logfiles that they simply won't have meaning anymore. The app becomes a victim of its own success, as it were. Search helps to stave this off.

Notes:
1. When multiple logifles are checked, how will they be displayed in the main viewer? In a chrono-order? Will there be any visual grouping, such that entries from different logfiles are separated somehow?
2. Minor suggestion: to keep with the current trend of searchboxes in apps and online sites, move searchbox to upper right corner, in line with the toolbar.
3. Consider changing the style of timestamps, such that they are visually separated from entries. My preference: slight reduction in font size, and bolded.
4. With search filters in place, my next want will be to "export the current view" to another text or .csv file.  At the very least, I should be able to select text in the viewer pane and copy it elsewhere, but more advanced users might want to keep the logfile markup intact for their purposes.
5. Quibble: I prefer a white background for the log viewer pane rather than gray. It's consistent with the look and feel of most other apps.
6. I already see 'select all' and 'select none' functions are planned. CTRL-CLICK on a checkbox should also toggle the behavior.
7. Does the search also respond to dates/times? Obviously, if the user changes his timestamps midstream, he's up his own creek with how consistently this would work.
8. Earlier request, repeated: When AnuVu is started by opening a .anu file, it should display the logfile, plus any other logfiles in the same directory. This is for users who end up moving their logfiles around.
9. What if a user has logfiles in multiple folders but wants to display them together with AnuVu? This strikes me as a fairly rare use case, so I don't think it's necessary to address it, but I feel it should be mentioned.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 11, 2009, 12:51 PM
1. In filename order with no grouping.  This is just a simple edit control so there are limitations to what I can do with it.  Some alternatives would be for me to change to the HiEdit control or RichEdit control.  Both of these add quite a bit more complexity to the app but I've not ruled them out entirely.  FWIW, I enjoy the plain-textedness of apps...including this one.

2. I can put it above the display field but not in line with the menu items.  Would that be acceptable?

3. Again, I'm working with a simple edit control.  There are no per-line formatting options.

4. You can highlight and copy out of it like any normal edit control.

5. The reason for this is that I've set the edit control to read-only to stave off the impression that you can modify the text.  I can take off this property which will turn it back to white.  However, any changes made to the text will not be saved.

6. Toggle which behaviour?  I'm going to add a right-click menu to the listview in the next build with "Check all" and "Uncheck all" options.

7. It's a simple text match search.  If your search string is anywhere within an entry, including the timestamp, it will match.

8. Currently, AnuVu will get the folder that you have configured in Anuran and show the current.anu in that folder along with any .anu files found in the \archive subfolder.  I'll change it to display any .anu files in the configured folder as well as the \archive subfolder.

9. I can add drag & drop capabilities to the form.  I can also build in a context menu extension so you could right-click a group of .anu files and add them to AnuVu.  I've built AnuVu's display and search functions to handle whatever .anu files it has listed in the listview.  This is actually much easier to implement than it may sound.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 11, 2009, 12:57 PM
overlapping post:-

Notes:
1. When multiple logifles are checked, how will they be displayed in the main viewer? In a chrono-order? Will there be any visual grouping, such that entries from different logfiles are separated somehow?
2. Minor suggestion: to keep with the current trend of searchboxes in apps and online sites, move searchbox to upper right corner, in line with the toolbar.
3. Consider changing the style of timestamps, such that they are visually separated from entries. My preference: slight reduction in font size, and bolded.
4. With search filters in place, my next want will be to "export the current view" to another text or .csv file.  At the very least, I should be able to select text in the viewer pane and copy it elsewhere, but more advanced users might want to keep the logfile markup intact for their purposes.
5. Quibble: I prefer a white background for the log viewer pane rather than gray. It's consistent with the look and feel of most other apps.
6. I already see 'select all' and 'select none' functions are planned. CTRL-CLICK on a checkbox should also toggle the behavior.
7. Does the search also respond to dates/times? Obviously, if the user changes his timestamps midstream, he's up his own creek with how consistently this would work.
8. Earlier request, repeated: When AnuVu is started by opening a .anu file, it should display the logfile, plus any other logfiles in the same directory. This is for users who end up moving their logfiles around.
9. What if a user has logfiles in multiple folders but wants to display them together with AnuVu? This strikes me as a fairly rare use case, so I don't think it's necessary to address it, but I feel it should be mentioned.
-doctorfrog (November 11, 2009, 12:27 PM)

2) I prefer search box where it is - one would probably often open this from systray - mouse moves up naturally to search box - also not taking from actual viewer pane

4) csv would be nice [answered above]

6) +1 (would be nice anyway) [Ctrl+Click in one box would select/deselect all]

8] could be very helpful if working from usb stick (dont know if that possible?)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 11, 2009, 12:59 PM
Now that I'm viewing my logs, I see what may be a bug:

Currently, I have Anuran set to archive my logs every day. This doesn't seem to be happening. Does Anuran only archive every day, only if it's running for 24 hours? Can it check the creation date of the log, and go by that instead?

Example: Anuran is launched. It parses current.anu. If the first entry is older than the 'Archive logs every n minutes/hours/days,' it archives the logfile.

Anuran:
1. I had a little confusion with the Archive folder setting. I specified .\archive, which actually put files in .\archive\archive. Consider rewording "Archive folder" to "Anuran log folder (archives will be kept in .\archive)" Wordy, I know.

AnuVu
1. Feature request: ability to sort the logfile list pane by date. "Date" column should consider the first entry in a logfile as the date, rather than the file properties (more accurate). This sort should be the default. current.anu should remain on top at all times (current behavior).
2. Feature request: refresh button/menu options/hotkey (F5).
3. GUI: make current.anu in logfile list pane bold.
4. GUI: by default, when AnuVu starts, select and display only current.anu.
5. Feature request: in logfile viewer pane, offer option to sort entries by time, oldest to newest, or newest to oldest. If this isn't doable, offer option to start at bottom of logfile on startup, so that newest entries are displayed. May be a moot option if we offer the 'tail' function later on.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 11, 2009, 01:06 PM
overlapping post:-

Notes:
2. Minor suggestion: to keep with the current trend of searchboxes in apps and online sites, move searchbox to upper right corner, in line with the toolbar.
6. I already see 'select all' and 'select none' functions are planned. CTRL-CLICK on a checkbox should also toggle the behavior.
8. Earlier request, repeated: When AnuVu is started by opening a .anu file, it should display the logfile, plus any other logfiles in the same directory. This is for users who end up moving their logfiles around.
-doctorfrog (November 11, 2009, 12:27 PM)

2) I prefer search box where it is - one would probably often open this from systray - mouse moves up naturally to search box - also not taking from actual viewer pane
6) +1 (would be nice anyway) [Ctrl+Click in one box would select/deselect all]
8] could be very helpful if working from usb stick (dont know if that possible?)
-tomos (November 11, 2009, 12:57 PM)

2. I like the search box where it is as well.  I wanted to make the display pane as large as possible vertically.
6. I'm going to have to disagree on this one since it goes against normal Windows behaviour (ctrl-click multi selects...)
8. Can do.  I'll change AnuVu to look in the following folders:
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 11, 2009, 01:14 PM
1. In filename order with no grouping.  This is just a simple edit control so there are limitations to what I can do with it.  Some alternatives would be for me to change to the HiEdit control or RichEdit control.  Both of these add quite a bit more complexity to the app but I've not ruled them out entirely.  FWIW, I enjoy the plain-textedness of apps...including this one.

2. I can put it above the display field but not in line with the menu items.  Would that be acceptable?

3. Again, I'm working with a simple edit control.  There are no per-line formatting options.

4. You can highlight and copy out of it like any normal edit control.

5. The reason for this is that I've set the edit control to read-only to stave off the impression that you can modify the text.  I can take off this property which will turn it back to white.  However, any changes made to the text will not be saved.

6. Toggle which behaviour?  I'm going to add a right-click menu to the listview in the next build with "Check all" and "Uncheck all" options.

7. It's a simple text match search.  If your search string is anywhere within an entry, including the timestamp, it will match.

8. Currently, AnuVu will get the folder that you have configured in Anuran and show the current.anu in that folder along with any .anu files found in the \archive subfolder.  I'll change it to display any .anu files in the configured folder as well as the \archive subfolder.

9. I can add drag & drop capabilities to the form.  I can also build in a context menu extension so you could right-click a group of .anu files and add them to AnuVu.  I've built AnuVu's display and search functions to handle whatever .anu files it has listed in the listview.  This is actually much easier to implement than it may sound.
-skwire (November 11, 2009, 12:51 PM)

1. I still prefer a white background; it's consistent with other apps, and more legible. I am staunchly against RichEdit controls. I can accept the odd 'fake-edit' behavior, mainly because this is a file viewer, not a file editor, and there should not be an expectation for editing features. Purely my preference, feel free to overrule. Tomos, please chime in as well.
2. If you can fit it in line with a toolbar with buttons, it will still look good. Otherwise, keep it where it is. The fact that it's resizable and multi-lined also adds weight to this.
3. I'm sad. Can we mark the timestamp lines with brackets or parens to make them visually stand out? This isn't too out of line with other apps that use timestamps, such as Pidgin.
5. See #1. Consistency and visibility trumps the concern for me here, but feel free to overrule.
6. I mean, toggle the select-all/select-none ability. The right-click solution you outline is fine.
7. Cool.
8. Sounds good.
9. Hey, if you can pull it off, let's do it. This would certainly solve the rare issue I describe. Keeping in line with simplicity and portability, any Windows file system context menu changes should be off by default, and easy to enable/disable.

Aside: I'm idling in IRC freenode/#bb4win if you want to chat directly.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 11, 2009, 01:35 PM
Currently, I have Anuran set to archive my logs every day. This doesn't seem to be happening. Does Anuran only archive every day, only if it's running for 24 hours? Can it check the creation date of the log, and go by that instead?
-doctorfrog (November 11, 2009, 12:59 PM)

Correct, Anuran assumes it will be kept running and archives on a running timer.  This can be changed how you desire but I'll need to do some thinking on the most effective way.  The custom timestamping is what makes something like this difficult.  I think the best way would be to keep might be to keep the last archive time in the config.ini and base archive decisions off of that.

1. I had a little confusion with the Archive folder setting. I specified .\archive, which actually put files in .\archive\archive. Consider rewording "Archive folder" to "Anuran log folder (archives will be kept in .\archive)" Wordy, I know.
-doctorfrog (November 11, 2009, 12:59 PM)

Will do.

1. Feature request: ability to sort the logfile list pane by date. "Date" column should consider the first entry in a logfile as the date, rather than the file properties (more accurate). This sort should be the default. current.anu should remain on top at all times (current behavior).
2. Feature request: refresh button/menu options/hotkey (F5).
3. GUI: make current.anu in logfile list pane bold.
4. GUI: by default, when AnuVu starts, select and display only current.anu.
5. Feature request: in logfile viewer pane, offer option to sort entries by time, oldest to newest, or newest to oldest. If this isn't doable, offer option to start at bottom of logfile on startup, so that newest entries are displayed. May be a moot option if we offer the 'tail' function later on.
-doctorfrog (November 11, 2009, 12:59 PM)

1. What if a user, say, doesn't even use a timestamp?  I'm sure you can see the conundrum I'm in with the custom timestamps.
2. Can do...I'll make it part of the right-click menu as well.
3. I'll see what I can do.
4. Okay.
5. I'll put this on the ToDo.

1. I still prefer a white background; it's consistent with other apps, and more legible. I am staunchly against RichEdit controls. I can accept the odd 'fake-edit' behavior, mainly because this is a file viewer, not a file editor, and there should not be an expectation for editing features. Purely my preference, feel free to overrule. Tomos, please chime in as well.
2. If you can fit it in line with a toolbar with buttons, it will still look good. Otherwise, keep it where it is. The fact that it's resizable and multi-lined also adds weight to this.
3. I'm sad. Can we mark the timestamp lines with brackets or parens to make them visually stand out? This isn't too out of line with other apps that use timestamps, such as Pidgin.
5. See #1. Consistency and visibility trumps the concern for me here, but feel free to overrule.
6. I mean, toggle the select-all/select-none ability. The right-click solution you outline is fine.
7. Cool.
8. Sounds good.
9. Hey, if you can pull it off, let's do it. This would certainly solve the rare issue I describe. Keeping in line with simplicity and portability, any Windows file system context menu changes should be off by default, and easy to enable/disable.
-doctorfrog (November 11, 2009, 01:14 PM)

1. I'll change it.
2. I would prefer to keep it where it is.  It allows the display pane to be as large as possible vertically.
3. Yes, I'm already working on that.  =]
9. Again, easy to do.

Aside: I'm idling in IRC freenode/#bb4win if you want to chat directly.
-doctorfrog (November 11, 2009, 01:14 PM)

I've been idling there for years and years.  =]
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 11, 2009, 01:43 PM
Currently, I have Anuran set to archive my logs every day. This doesn't seem to be happening. Does Anuran only archive every day, only if it's running for 24 hours? Can it check the creation date of the log, and go by that instead?
-doctorfrog (November 11, 2009, 12:59 PM)

Correct, Anuran assumes it will be kept running and archives on a running timer.  This can be changed how you desire but I'll need to do some thinking on the most effective way.  The custom timestamping is what makes something like this difficult.  I think the best way would be to keep might be to keep the last archive time in the config.ini and base archive decisions off of that.
-skwire (November 11, 2009, 01:35 PM)
We could resolve this by having Anuran place a generically-formatted timestamp in the first (or last) line of every logfile. It could use this instead of parsing whatever custom timestamp a user might choose. This would also resolve any issues with sorting. If the generic timestamp is missing, AnuVu can just go by whatever's easiest to code: file properties?

Example generic timestamp: "[anuran_11112009123030] (do not edit this line)"

(All other items in your previous post, no reply necessary.)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 11, 2009, 02:04 PM
just passing through here so have only glanced at previous posts
Personally I wouuld have kept all time stamps (or at least the logfile name/timestamp) as
2009-11-11 21:00
or something comparable e.g.
2009_11_11-2100
to avoid the : & spaces in the filename
-
I know Skwire you say some people have a problem with 24hr clock but I think everyone understands it & it sorts logically
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 11, 2009, 02:11 PM
Submitting more sounds. Open to thoughts.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 11, 2009, 03:45 PM
frog_1.wav rocks.  =]
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 11, 2009, 06:15 PM
Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.6 - 2009-11-11
    * Took off the ReadOnly property of AnuVu's display field.  Any changes
      made to the displayed text will NOT be saved.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    * AnuVu v1.0.2:
        + Added find-as-you-type searching.
        + Added basic text formatting to the displayed entries.
        + Added right-click menu to the listview.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 11, 2009, 06:22 PM
frog_1.wav rocks.  =]
-skwire (November 11, 2009, 03:45 PM)

lol - have to agree there ;D

thanks for new version Skwire, will check it out tomorrow

[edit] like pong & droplet sounds too :up: [/edit]
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 11, 2009, 06:54 PM
I'm partial to earwax.wav myself. ;)

I'll heap my notes upon the thread tonight/tomorrow.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 12, 2009, 11:43 AM
anuran notes, 1.0.6

anuvu:
1. Request: add option to toggle wordwrap in log viewer pane

2. Request: add option to add 0,1, or 2 carriage returns between individual log entries. (readability) Option text: "Spaces between log entries: none, 1, 2"

3. Request: add option to add 0 or 1 carriage returns between timestamp and entry text. (readability) Option text: "Insert space between timestamp and log entry: Yes, No"

4. Request (maybe): If implementing 3, and user choice is "Yes," then indent log entry relative to timestamp (which is already indented). 2-3 spaces in should be sufficient. (readability)

5. Request (maybe): right click on logviewer pane = drop-down menu option: "Export to text." Result: saves everything currently in logviewer pane to a text file. (for really lazy users, or as a "discoverable" feature).

6. Concern: My one discomfort now is that, before we had text files being generated that could be human-read with ease. Now, because of the "SS" symbols in the logfile markup, using the viewer is every so slightly forced upon the user, since this is the prime location for a clean view of logs.
It's not too bad now, and may be unavoidable, but I suggest we remain cognizant of this, as one of my goals was to keep the logfiles human-readable through the ages, if the user forgets or loses Anuran, or the program itself becomes incompatible with future OS's. Thoughts?

7. Request (maybe maybe): With 6 in mind, offer an easy way to select all text files in the logfile pane and export as "pretty" text, as it would be displayed in the logviewer pane. Result: each individual logfile is translated into a pretty text file. (This is a fairly big maybe.)

8. Bug (keepin' this alive): Anuran only archives a logfile if the user-specified time increment passes while Anuran is running. Solution: base the archive increment on the creation time of current.anu.

Other:
- I like how the entries are indented slightly. This is a Good Thing.
- I like how AnuVu presents log files. We're moving in a very good direction. With Anuran, we have a means of generating scads of user data. A searchable viewer gives that data a lot more meaning and use. It's a more crucial element than I thought it would be at first, and I'm glad you're working on it.
- Your thoughts on my 'generic timestamp' suggestion above? (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=20516.msg184295#msg184295)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 12, 2009, 12:46 PM
1-4. All good suggestions and added to my ToDo.  I also plan to add user-configurable font choice.

5. The edit control has a standard menu of its own.  How about if I add the Export entry to the File menu?  That's where it typically is for most apps.

6. It's a liberty that I almost had no choice but to take; it makes thing much easier for me.  I tried to keep it very simple though with only the section (§) marker to denote entries.  If it ever came down to it through the ages, a simple search & replace would fix that in no time.

7. To clarify, you want each logfile exported to a separate text file, right?

8. It's on my buglist and should be squashed soon.  Here's my logic flow:
    * Keep track of the last archived time in the config.ini.
    * On Anuran startup, compare that timestamp with the current time.
    * If the interval exceeds the configured interval, archive immediately and update config.ini.
    * From this point, archive on the configured interval timer.

Other:
- I like how the entries are indented slightly. This is a Good Thing.
- I like how AnuVu presents log files. We're moving in a very good direction. With Anuran, we have a means of generating scads of user data. A searchable viewer gives that data a lot more meaning and use. It's a more crucial element than I thought it would be at first, and I'm glad you're working on it.
- Your thoughts on my 'generic timestamp' suggestion above? (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=20516.msg184295#msg184295)
-doctorfrog (November 12, 2009, 11:43 AM)

Yes...I try not to lose sight of KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) when writing an application.  Keep it tightly focused but still elegant and useful.  I think I address the 'generic timestamp' issue when explaining point #8 above.

Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 12, 2009, 01:41 PM
My reply:

1-4. Awesome.

5. This would be fine. Possible wording: "Export current view"

6. Totally acceptable. I just had to pipe up about it.

7. Good question. The option I had in mind was something like "Export all selected logfiles to individual text files." Kinda wordy. Might need an intermediary dialog... ok, menu option: "Export all..." This leads to a dialog asking for an export location. We can have the full wording there, and a file/directory select widget.
People who only want to export the current view can do so via another menu option: "Export current view...", or simply copy and paste the contents of the view pane.

8. That works. Though I still think storing a creation date in each logfile has its uses, particularly for more accurate file sorting (that isn't based on filename or file properties, both of which can vary). Actually, why not pair that with an "archived on" datestamp that appears at the end of the logfile as well?

Other thoughts for myself:
- at some point, we'll need to document that .anu files are just text files. The .anu extension and the need for a viewer might lead to the impression that there's some wonky proprietary format at work here.
- I might want to write up a basic readme.txt. No need for a full-blown helpfile, though.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 13, 2009, 12:37 AM
Bug: AnuVu displays logfile entries with repeating dates (logfile itself is fine):

[Select]
========================================
current.anu
========================================
2009-11-12 @ 11:14:24 PM 2009-11-12 @ 11:14:24 PM (test) 
2009-11-12 @ 11:15:21 PM 2009-11-12 @ 11:15:21 PM (testy testy test test) 
2009-11-12 @ 11:15:24 PM 2009-11-12 @ 11:15:24 PM (test)   
2009-11-12 @ 11:15:28 PM 2009-11-12 @ 11:15:28 PM (testomattica)

I'll wait for the next rev before commenting on the style format.

Request (minor): Is it possible to keep current.anu always on top of the sorted list?
Request: User-configurable hotkey to launch AnuVu. (Options>Hotkeys tab)
Request: User option: Double-click on tray icon launches AnuVu, or Popup. (Popup by default.)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 13, 2009, 05:48 AM
minor window bug (I think)


so I guess it's not remembering previous normal window size (or do apps usually have a default normal window size?)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 13, 2009, 06:32 AM
1) I think any feature requests I make at this stage are icing ;)
so...
 ~ Option in AnuVu to launch file in default (or custom) text editor ?

2) Also: Confirm Dr.Frog's report above - viewer showing double date/times

3) I'm wondering out loud here - if there's any way of stripping out the dates in a text editor - may seem like an odd idea - but I'm still unsure how I might use the programme in the future - & for some possible uses the times might just get in the way.
I'm not that familiar with find and replace - maybe if some editor can use wildcard (*) and removes from the § to the carriage return (I think Textmaker can do that actually)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 13, 2009, 07:19 AM
Bug: AnuVu displays logfile entries with repeating dates (logfile itself is fine):
-doctorfrog (November 13, 2009, 12:37 AM)

Please attach the .anu file that does this.

Request (minor): Is it possible to keep current.anu always on top of the sorted list?
Request: User-configurable hotkey to launch AnuVu. (Options>Hotkeys tab)
Request: User option: Double-click on tray icon launches AnuVu, or Popup. (Popup by default.)
-doctorfrog (November 13, 2009, 12:37 AM)

1-3. Added to the ToDo.

minor window bug (I think)

  • Launch AnuVu
  • Maximise window
  • Close
  • Relaunch - it's full screen
  • Click the middle button for 'Normal' window - window stays full screen size

so I guess it's not remembering previous normal window size (or do apps usually have a default normal window size?)
-tomos (November 13, 2009, 05:48 AM)

AnuVu remembers the size and position of its window when it closes.  So, if it's maximised, it remembers those coordinates and, on start, moves and sizes the window according to those saved values.  It doesn't remember the maximised state.  I never maximise a window so I guess I don't notice these things much.   :)  I have hotkeys that move/resize windows into various locations.

That being said, I'll see what I can do about it.

1) I think any feature requests I make at this stage are icing ;)
so...
 ~ Option in AnuVu to launch file in default (or custom) text editor ?

2) Also: Confirm Dr.Frog's report above - viewer showing double date/times

3) I'm wondering out loud here - if there's any way of stripping out the dates in a text editor - may seem like an odd idea - but I'm still unsure how I might use the programme in the future - & for some possible uses the times might just get in the way.
I'm not that familiar with find and replace - maybe if some editor can use wildcard (*) and removes from the § to the carriage return (I think Textmaker can do that actually)
-tomos (November 13, 2009, 06:32 AM)

1. Added to the ToDo.
2. Please attach your .anu file.
3. Most text editors can do a regex match and replace.

As I get deeper into writing AnuVu, I may make some minor changes to the .anu format.  I say this because it will most likely break compatibility with previous .anu files.  Since it's early, I hope you two haven't saved too much important data in your .anu files.  =]
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 13, 2009, 07:32 AM
Yeah - the maximise window would normally not be a problem & not a problem to me as I just used gridmove to resize it

Attached test file from a fresh 'install' - the only thing I changed was the timing of the popup. Still same problem with double dates showing in viewer - I had to change the extension to upload
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 13, 2009, 12:09 PM
Thanks for sending the file and continuing to betatest, tomos.

The issue with AnuVu and maximization forgetfulness is something I've also seen happen in other apps, particularly browsers. I was able to replicate the issue, but it's pretty minor: just resize the window manually to resolve.

Skwire, could you also note in the changelog when you alter the logging format? You don't have to be super-specific, just a heads-up.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 13, 2009, 12:17 PM
Skwire, could you also note in the changelog when you alter the logging format? You don't have to be super-specific, just a heads-up.
-doctorfrog (November 13, 2009, 12:09 PM)

Absolutely.  However, I may not have to.  I was just throwing it out there that it may have to change since we're still very early in the development phase.

I've been working on the word-wrap feature but there is a snag.  In AHK, that property can't be toggled without re-creating the GUI.  So, would a settable option be acceptable?  I'm probably going to add an AnuVu tab to Anuran's option interface...it would go there.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 13, 2009, 12:33 PM
Skwire, could you also note in the changelog when you alter the logging format? You don't have to be super-specific, just a heads-up.
-doctorfrog (November 13, 2009, 12:09 PM)

Absolutely.  However, I may not have to.  I was just throwing it out there that it may have to change since we're still very early in the development phase.

I've been working on the word-wrap feature but there is a snag.  In AHK, that property can't be toggled without re-creating the GUI.  So, would a settable option be acceptable?  I'm probably going to add an AnuVu tab to Anuran's option interface...it would go there.
-skwire (November 13, 2009, 12:17 PM)

That's fine. It's a little odd to the user, having to restart the viewer to toggle word-wrap, but as we discussed, it's the only way to implement the feature. I see this as a menu option, with an Ok/Cancel dialog that pops up, in case the user doesn't want to lose his current view. I haven't tried it yet, but hopefully word wrap won't be something used with great frequency.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 13, 2009, 01:59 PM
Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.7 - 2009-11-13
    + Added "Archive now" to the tray menu.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    + Added configurable hotkey to launch AnuVu.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    * AnuVu v1.0.3
        + On startup, only current.anu is now checked.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)  
        + Word wrap option added to AnuVu's Options menu.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
        + Added "Show each entry as one line" to Options menu.

If you have any .anu files that still display the dual-date issue, delete them.  Yeah, I took the easy way out...   :-[
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 14, 2009, 01:14 PM
Excellent. I'll be using this build through the weekend and will submit my comments Monday.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 15, 2009, 02:26 PM
Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.8 - 2009-11-15
    ! Fixed archiving bug where Anuran would never archive if shut down before archive timer fired.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    * Archived files now use the current.anu's file creation time for their filename timestamp instead of the current archiving time.
    * AnuVu v1.0.4
        + Added menu option: File, Export current view.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
        + Added configurable fonts for the listview, display & search fields under Menu, Options, Configure.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 15, 2009, 06:53 PM
Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.9 - 2009-11-15
    + Added option to choose default tray click behaviour.  Options, General.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    * AnuVu v1.0.5
        + Added configurable external editor options under Menu, Options, Configure.  (Thanks, tomos)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 16, 2009, 05:59 PM
anuran notes 1.0.7, 8, 9

Anuran:
- anuran and anuvu unpack some stuff in my temp folder. I'd like to keep this app portable and submit it to the portablefreeware.com directory, who are sticklers about apps leaving cruft behind. Frankly, I'm a stickler for this as well, since I'd like to use this app on host machines and want to be a good guest. Can we either have the app clean up after itself, or unpack this temporary matter to .\temp? Or have a user option to disable the behavior entirely?

AnuVu:
- Font controls are awesome, as is the 'open with external editor' control.
- Request: Are we  embedding metadata dates into the logfiles? If so, let's have AnuVu display those dates in columns in the log file pane, so they can be sorted accordingly. Columns: Created, Archived. Timestamp format can be arbitrary for easier parsing.
- Request: AnuVu remembers last sort settings in logfile pane. (if possible, still keeping current.anu on the top)

All in all, another great rev! Thanks, Skwire.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 16, 2009, 06:42 PM
Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.10 - 2009-11-16
    * Moved \res directory to application directory instead of user's temp
      folder.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
    * AnuVu v1.0.6
        * Moved \res directory to application directory instead of user's temp
          folder.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)

- Request: Are we  embedding metadata dates into the logfiles? If so, let's have AnuVu display those dates in columns in the log file pane, so they can be sorted accordingly. Columns: Created, Archived. Timestamp format can be arbitrary for easier parsing.
- Request: AnuVu remembers last sort settings in logfile pane. (if possible, still keeping current.anu on the top)
-doctorfrog (November 16, 2009, 05:59 PM)

1.  Sorting the entries themselves will be painful but I'll try.
2.  I'll see what I can do about this one.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 17, 2009, 03:28 AM
hi all
missed the last few updates so catching up today :up:

I'm a bit confused about a couple of things:-

I updated, started app, opened AnuVu from the tray:
I was able to look at "current.anu" which, as it happens, was still the one from friday (I have it set to archive log every one day :-\ - I didnt have Anuran running over the weekend btw). I havent checked it properly - will check tomorrow to make sure it archives. It would be nice (for my use anyway) if it archived at the end of each calender day - I'm not sure with "archive logs every [1] day(s)" - does that mean calendar day or 24 hours after the option is first set?

Anyways, I manually archived via options - made a few test entries & opened viewer. Looks good, I tried to open the current file in Notepad (via menu) - got a message
---------------------------
Notepad
---------------------------
Cannot find the .txt file.

Do you want to create a new file?
---------------------------
Yes   No   Cancel   
---------------------------

Ahhh, okay - it only opens archived files - maybe that could somehow be made clear? Or could it be possible to open current.anu?

BTW
Thanks for all the great work Skwire :-* credits heading your way :)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 17, 2009, 04:22 AM
I updated, started app, opened AnuVu from the tray:
I was able to look at "current.anu" which, as it happens, was still the one from friday (I have it set to archive log every one day :-\ - I didnt have Anuran running over the weekend btw). I havent checked it properly - will check tomorrow to make sure it archives. It would be nice (for my use anyway) if it archived at the end of each calender day - I'm not sure with "archive logs every [1] day(s)" - does that mean calendar day or 24 hours after the option is first set?
-tomos (November 17, 2009, 03:28 AM)

This behaviour should be corrected in v1.0.8.  Let me know if it doesn't archive properly from now on.

Anyways, I manually archived via options - made a few test entries & opened viewer. Looks good, I tried to open the current file in Notepad (via menu) - got a message
---------------------------
Notepad
---------------------------
Cannot find the .txt file.

Do you want to create a new file?
---------------------------
Yes   No   Cancel   
---------------------------

Ahhh, okay - it only opens archived files - maybe that could somehow be made clear? Or could it be possible to open current.anu?
-tomos (November 17, 2009, 03:28 AM)

Hmmm...it should open the current.anu just fine (if it exists).  All I'm doing is passing the list of paths to the configured editor.  I just tested it with regular notepad and it worked for a single file.  More capable editors can handle multiple files passed to them.

Thanks for the credits; I appreciate it.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 17, 2009, 05:00 AM
Maybe it's to do with the 'update'
I'll try it with a fresh install so-to-speak -

Fresh 'install'.
Attempted 'Open in Notepad' (with single files only selected)
unfortunately doesnt work here with archived files *or* current.

The install that was updated - that now suddenly opens everything :tellme:

Okay, I've figured it out :) - I presumed it opened the currently ticked file(s) but it opens currently selected files

PS: another 'icing' request - that single (left) mouse-click on systray icon would also popup the menu
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 17, 2009, 06:56 AM
Okay, I've figured it out :) - I presumed it opened the currently ticked file(s) but it opens currently selected files
-tomos (November 17, 2009, 05:00 AM)

Doh...sorry for the confusion.

PS: another 'icing' request - that single (left) mouse-click on systray icon would also popup the menu
-tomos (November 17, 2009, 05:00 AM)

I can make another general option that will let the user choose between single and double-clicking the tray icon.  Will that be acceptable?
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 17, 2009, 07:22 AM
PS: another 'icing' request - that single (left) mouse-click on systray icon would also popup the menu
-tomos (November 17, 2009, 05:00 AM)

I can make another general option that will let the user choose between single and double-clicking the tray icon.  Will that be acceptable?
-skwire (November 17, 2009, 06:56 AM)

that would be great - I find double clicking tray icons a very fussy business & mostly wish they would work like the quick launch icons, or at least respond in some way to a single click (!Campaign for Single Clicks!)
thanks :D
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 17, 2009, 12:23 PM
Maybe it's to do with the 'update'
I'll try it with a fresh install so-to-speak -

Fresh 'install'.
Attempted 'Open in Notepad' (with single files only selected)
unfortunately doesnt work here with archived files *or* current.

The install that was updated - that now suddenly opens everything :tellme:

Okay, I've figured it out :) - I presumed it opened the currently ticked file(s) but it opens currently selected files
-tomos (November 17, 2009, 05:00 AM)

Suggestion - We can change the menu option to "Open selected with external editor."

EDIT: ... wait a sec, is it supposed to open checked files in an editor? I plumb forgot.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 17, 2009, 02:05 PM
EDIT: ... wait a sec, is it supposed to open checked files in an editor? I plumb forgot.
-doctorfrog (November 17, 2009, 12:23 PM)

I'm afraid it is a confusing one - I thought of suggesting changing the menu entry too, but I think I initially thought the file was selected if it was ticked - so saying "Open selected with external editor" wouldnt have helped...
One to ponder!

[edited] for clarity
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 17, 2009, 04:05 PM
Soooo...which behaviour would you like?  Open highlighted?  Or open checked?
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 17, 2009, 04:36 PM
Soooo...which behaviour would you like?  Open highlighted?  Or open checked?
-skwire (November 17, 2009, 04:05 PM)

I'm easy - actually I think 'as is' is best - you might have many files showing in viewer but it only opens last selected in Notepad anyways.

I was just trying to think of a way to make it clear to new users - I guess something like Dr.Frog suggested might be clearer (in the menu) - "Open selected file in Notepad" (?)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 17, 2009, 06:18 PM
I agree that as-is is fine. As for rewording the menu, the user already can make the text say whatever he wants from within AnuVu's option dialog, and Notepad is the default

Opening many files in notepad windows is an unlikely desire, IMO. I believe that mass export into plaintext is on the todo list anyway, which will reach the same end, with the added benefit that they'll also be a little bit easier to read. In the meantime, 'export current view to file' mostly fulfills that desire anyway.

Speaking of which:

- Feature request: AnuVu: select all/select none capability in logfile pane. This can be relegated to an Edit menu, or appended to the File menu.
- To Discuss: what are your thoughts on a buttoned toolbar in AnuVu? I personally don't need it, but do you think users will want it?

I'm really digging how AnuVu is shaping up overall. It's really becoming the face of the application.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: mouser on November 17, 2009, 09:52 PM
it would be nice to have a screencast of this tool to show it in use.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 17, 2009, 10:03 PM
I think the Trout screencasts need to come first.  Bahahahaha.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: Ransom on November 17, 2009, 10:31 PM
Feature Request: I find that there are times when I don't want Anuran to pop up as it normally does - For instance if I'm using a fullscreen application.
I could just close Anuran and re-open it when I'm done, but I'd prefer a "Pause" option on the tray icon's right-click menu.

Ideally there would also be a hotkey to toggle pause on and off.

It may also be useful to have a user-configurable "auto-resume" so that the user doesn't forget to unpause, but this isn't critical.


Even without this, Anuran is a great little app. Good work!
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 17, 2009, 10:33 PM
I'm easy - actually I think 'as is' is best - you might have many files showing in viewer but it only opens last selected in Notepad anyways.

I was just trying to think of a way to make it clear to new users - I guess something like Dr.Frog suggested might be clearer (in the menu) - "Open selected file in Notepad" (?)
-tomos (November 17, 2009, 04:36 PM)

I changed the default to that but, in case you didn't realise it, you can change the menu text to whatever you like.

I believe that mass export into plaintext is on the todo list anyway, which will reach the same end, with the added benefit that they'll also be a little bit easier to read. In the meantime, 'export current view to file' mostly fulfills that desire anyway.
-doctorfrog (November 17, 2009, 06:18 PM)

Right, the "Export current view to file" ought to cover most things so, I'm curious, how did you want the mass export to work?

Speaking of which:
- Feature request: AnuVu: select all/select none capability in logfile pane. This can be relegated to an Edit menu, or appended to the File menu.
- To Discuss: what are your thoughts on a buttoned toolbar in AnuVu? I personally don't need it, but do you think users will want it?
-doctorfrog (November 17, 2009, 06:18 PM)

1. Will add in the next build.
2. Yes, a toolbar is planned.  I dig toolbars.  =]
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 17, 2009, 10:58 PM
Feature Request: I find that there are times when I don't want Anuran to pop up as it normally does - For instance if I'm using a fullscreen application.
I could just close Anuran and re-open it when I'm done, but I'd prefer a "Pause" option on the tray icon's right-click menu.
Ideally there would also be a hotkey to toggle pause on and off.
It may also be useful to have a user-configurable "auto-resume" so that the user doesn't forget to unpause, but this isn't critical.
Even without this, Anuran is a great little app. Good work!
-Ransom (November 17, 2009, 10:31 PM)

A pause option is certainly doable...maybe change the icon to the a red frog or something.  A hotkey for such is easy as well.  I'll add both of these items to my ToDo.  The auto-resume idea is certainly doable but I think some things ought to be left to the responsibility of the user.  Thanks for the feedback.  I appreciate it.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 18, 2009, 01:45 AM
I'd prefer a "Pause" option on the tray icon's right-click menu.

Ideally there would also be a hotkey to toggle pause on and off.
-Ransom (November 17, 2009, 10:31 PM)

I've been thinking of requesting this feature myself. I like the idea of shading the icon to indicate Anuran is suspended. There is the issue of remembering to turn it back on, and I think an auto-resume option is a bit much. How about this:

Request: Even if Anuran's popup is temporarily "paused," Anuran still makes the event sound (ribbit) at the appropriate times, just without the popup. This is a toggleable option, in case the user doesn't want to be bothered at all. Hope that isn't too much work, Skwire.

Right, the "Export current view to file" ought to cover most things so, I'm curious, how did you want the mass export to work?
-skwire (November 17, 2009, 10:33 PM)

I just see it as stripping the markup from the individual text files, and saving as .txt. No more, no less. The more I think about it, though, the less I see the use in this, unless the logfiles start to become more complex. "Export view" does a pretty good job on its own.

Also, I'm fiddling with CamStudio now, I can try my hand at a feature tour screencast. I'm kind of a dork, though.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: mouser on November 18, 2009, 01:52 AM
Also, I'm fiddling with CamStudio now, I can try my hand at a feature tour screencast. I'm kind of a dork, though.
excellent  :up:
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 18, 2009, 02:45 AM
Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.11 - 2009-11-18
    + Added single-click/double-click option for the tray icon.  (Thanks, tomos)
    + Added popup pause functionality to the tray menu.  If pause is enabled, the
      tray icon will turn blue.  Any configured sound effect will continue to play
      but the popup will not be shown until you disable the pause.  (Thanks, Ransom &
      doctorfrog)
    + Added configurable hotkey for new popup pause functionality.  Options, Hotkeys
      tab.  (Thanks, Ransom)
    * Changed tray menu order slightly.
    * AnuVu v1.0.7
        + Added toolbar.
        + Added "Select all/Deselect all" entries to the logfile pane context
          menu.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
        * Changed File menu entry to: Save current view to file

This build ought to address almost all outstanding requests.  Screenshot showing new toolbar on AnuVu:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: tomos on November 18, 2009, 05:49 AM
I agree that as-is is fine. As for rewording the menu, the user already can make the text say whatever he wants from within AnuVu's option dialog, and Notepad is the default

Opening many files in notepad windows is an unlikely desire, IMO. I believe that mass export into plaintext is on the todo list anyway, which will reach the same end, with the added benefit that they'll also be a little bit easier to read. In the meantime, 'export current view to file' mostly fulfills that desire anyway.

[...]
-doctorfrog (November 17, 2009, 06:18 PM)
wow I had missed both of those :-[ editor of choice and export current view :-* :up:

Not only that I had completely missed page 5 here including the latest update
wowee things to see :)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 18, 2009, 06:14 AM
 :D  I added quite a bit tonight so make sure to check the changelog.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 18, 2009, 05:35 PM
MINOR BUG: When using the 'pause' feature, initiating a manual popup with the appropriate hotkey fails (sound event only). When Anuran is paused, I should still be able to call up the popup on my own without disabling the pause.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 18, 2009, 08:23 PM
MINOR BUG: When using the 'pause' feature, initiating a manual popup with the appropriate hotkey fails (sound event only). When Anuran is paused, I should still be able to call up the popup on my own without disabling the pause.
-doctorfrog (November 18, 2009, 05:35 PM)


Website (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/anuran.php) | Download (http://skwire.dcmembers.com/apps/anuran/Anuran.zip)
v1.0.12 - 2009-11-18
    * Changed it so that, even with the timer paused, you can still bring up the
      popup via hotkey or tray menu.  (Thanks, doctorfrog)
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on November 20, 2009, 06:07 PM
No issues with this build. I'm a pretty happy camper.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 20, 2009, 07:11 PM
Great.   :D  This turned out to be a neat little app.  Thanks for the idea.
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: mouser on November 20, 2009, 09:38 PM
screencast please!
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on November 20, 2009, 09:43 PM
screencast please!
-mouser (November 20, 2009, 09:38 PM)
I'm allergic to screencasts.   :P
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: doctorfrog on December 04, 2009, 12:44 PM
Still very happy with this project. I use it every day. Notes:

anuran notes 1.0.12
anuran:
- Request: Sound when toggling anuran pause (can use existing sound)
- Request: Include some sample sounds with Anuran and pre-select a default (previously provided)
- Bug: the "Tray icon click type" stays as Single-click, even when changed

anuvu:
- Request (nice-to-have): ability to determine create and archive dates from the logfiles and place these in columns in AnuVu.

Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on December 07, 2009, 08:39 AM
- Request: Sound when toggling anuran pause (can use existing sound)
- Request: Include some sample sounds with Anuran and pre-select a default (previously provided)
- Bug: the "Tray icon click type" stays as Single-click, even when changed
-doctorfrog (December 04, 2009, 12:44 PM)

1. Can do.
2. On my site, I did upload and link the pack of sounds you put together.  How about I include the frog_1.wav as the default sound and provide a link to the zip in the Options dialog?
3. You meant it stays that way in the Options dialog, right?  The actual functionality works properly, eh?  I'll fix that.

anuvu:
- Request (nice-to-have): ability to determine create and archive dates from the logfiles and place these in columns in AnuVu.
-doctorfrog (December 04, 2009, 12:44 PM)

I can easily add a column that will show the log file's creation date.  I suppose this is useful if one chooses a somewhat non-complete timestamp format for the logs, right?
Title: Re: NANY 2010 Idea: A 'polite' reminder/diary system
Post by: skwire on December 12, 2009, 02:16 PM
Please direct future replies from this thread over on the official Anuran NANY thread here (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=20965).  Mouser is going to lock this one.