435
« Last post by kfitting on August 09, 2005, 06:07 PM »
Ok, point taken on the single files bit. I think it would be better to hold the users hand on this one... only because our CM (configuration management) process doesn't make it real easy to keep multiple files together on check-in/check-out. It would be much easier to just have one file for the user to manage. But, multiple files would still work!
Scripting. Let me give you the example that I feel is the most involved. First some background: in our flight simulator (the aircraft is the MH-60R for you aviation fans) we need to keep track of every wire along with various information (wire type, size, length, starting point, ending point, etc). There are quite a few wires that connect to other wires and at times it's EXTREMELY handy to be able to enter in a node and find a trace of every wire along a route. I.e. from a power supply to a specific light bulb in the cockpit. Ok, don't lose me here, I know as an engineer I tend to get lost in details! One of my coworkers wrote an excel vba script that, given any node, traces it back both ways to its end points (if you start at the beginning, it only goes one way, obviously). This script saves valuable time when troubleshooting, especially when your wirelist is 40,000 lines plus.
Basically, it would be awesome to be able to interact with the data in that level of detail. To be able to step through the table, make comparisons, keep a log in the background... That's why if you could make the table accessible to AutoIt the problem would be solved. I don't think it's worth writing your own scripting into the program, but making external hooks would be nice. That way people could use the program to store the data, sort it, search it, but if they came up with some kooky odd-ball "requirement" they could add it on their own.
I know, I know, you're saying "why not just use a database." Well, the biggest reason is none of our team has experience programming databases. All we need is something light and fast to store lots of lines in and be able to write scripts to pull certain data out. Database setup is too much work! especially mid-project) Excel works fine except we have 40,000 lines and another 20,000+ waiting to be added! Excel runs out of space and also becomes rather clunky. But, having seen the power and awesome sort/grouping/filter capabilities of CHS, I think a minimalist database would be just the thing. Also, like I said, I would love to have it for home use... keeping track of cd's, books, whatever. Yes, I could use a database and spend umpteen hours coding each database I want to keep. Yes, I could use one of the freeware solutions that do everything and the kitchen sink (all this in rather clunky interfaces with childish icons).
But, having said all that I don't want to take up your time... especially since you're working on CHS and all it's goodies. Plus, I realize that maybe this is a specialty app... but, oh how long I've looked for something like this! If you could do it, I'd be absolutely thrilled.
Kevin
Recent Posts
But, since you are going that route, you may want to head to some notes manager forums and see what people are asking for. Just keep in mind that you have opened yourself up to a "word processor" expectation!