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Profile: iOrganizer 2
Issue: 1.3 (December/January 2002)
Author: Brian Jones
Article Description: No description available.
Article Length (in bytes): 4,186
Starting Page Number: 9
Article Number: 1305
Related Web Link(s):
http://www.channel8software.com
Excerpt of article text...
One of the first conveniences most REALbasic programmers will list to those unfamiliar with the development environment is the relative ease with which complex and multi-faceted interfaces can be created. A great example of this aspect of REALbasic development can be found in iOrganizer 2 from Channel 8 Software. This application allows its users to keep track of all sorts of vital information including an address book, a to- do list, and a calendar.
The interfaces for the various tools in iOrganizer are all incredibly crisp with a multitude of different controls, graphics, and window layouts. The central window for iOrganizer is a floating toolbar window that contains a bevel button with an icon for each tool available. When clicked, these buttons open up a new window for the appropriate tool, whether that is the file download manager, the address book, etc. In the OS X version of the software, there is an Aqua-style toolbar in each window that allows tasks particular to each window, and also tasks more generally available, to be performed. When appropriate, there are attractive descriptive graphics and icons displayed to reiterate information about the interface.
Each individual tool also displays interface elements readily available in REALbasic that are difficult to implement in other development environments. For example, in the to- do list or "Task Manager," there are both icons and checkbox controls displayed for each item. The icons display the priority of the item. The checkboxes are used to mark an item as having been completed. Those with experience in other programming environments know that such a control would be amazingly difficult to create and maintain; however, in comparison, the difference between this control and a standard listbox in REALbasic is relatively trivial.
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