Hi,

I've started uploading a bunch of files today. The latest being:
/EZASPIE/ezaspie004.zip. A little explanation is probably in order.

I should probably note that I'm using the latest version of BCX and the MS
VC++ 6.0 compiler for this effort.

I'm planning to make some (at least one) programming tool based on several
projects that I've started in the past, a lot of ideas I've been formulating
for a lot of years, and a bunch of the BCX source code that's available on
the net.

I'm planning to build on the stuff that I was working on when I started
EZ-IDE before Andreas took over and made so many massive improvements on it.
I was trying to think of a name for the new effort and EZ AS PIE came to
mind.

I'm uploading the files as I go so I can have a record of how things
progressed and I'm thinking I may use them as the basis for some tutorial
material eventually - maybe even a book - who knows. I've not forgotten my
desire for creating multi-media training materials; I just don't have enough
time to do everything that I'd like to do. If I can document the process,
maybe someone else will be inclined to attack the tutorial presentation
aspect. Or, maybe I'll some day decide to allow myself to play with all the
cool stuff that is hiding inside of me and my PCs just hoping to get out.

Today I made 5 versions of a BCX GUI window program. It's not much to look
at, but I think it's a good start. Today's progress is the culmination of a
couple of years of procrastination. The primary focus has been on setting
up the foundation to build a much larger program on. I'm not exactly sure
where this is all heading, but with the completion of the last of these 5
programs, I'm pretty sure that the foundation is in place to support a
fairly massive program and if I can do half of what I'm wanting to do, it
will be a massive program (or set of programs).

The first version was a simple BCX EZ-GUI window program. Just a movable,
sizable form with minimize, maximize and close buttons. BCX makes this so
easy.

The second version added a file - exit menu. This menu structure is created
on the fly - not using a resource file.

The third version split the source code into two separate BCX source files
which were translated, compiled and then linked together to form the exe.

The fourth used the $PRJ stuff I've wanted to figure out for a year or two.
I finally got around to figuring it out - or should I say putting it into
practice. I think I figured it out a couple of years ago. I just have not
set down to use it till now.

The fifth, and final for today, added a makefile to direct the translation,
compilation and linkage of the program.

Now, I hope I'm ready to start making it do something. I want to create a
network aware browser that will have the ease of use and immersive feel of
the original Norton Commander. I've not had the feel of control over my
computer environment since Norton Commander reached the point where it could
no longer cope with the size of the hard drives. I have several more modern
NC clones, but they just don't seem to have the power of the original. I
think part of the problem is the multi-tasking nature of Windows has made me
want much more than I used to be satisfied with. I addition to being able
to navigate to anywhere I have network connectivity; I want to be able to
create and assemble source files into programs to do almost anything that
can be done with a computer.

I want to be able to graphically assemble the UI and rapidly create the code
behind it. There are lots of time saving techniques that can be applied to
this process and I want them all to be available to me from this one
interface: syntax highlighting, code completion, keyboard macros, source
code generation/expansion, snippet selection, structure
validation/correction and many more.

Some of the programs that I want to create involve the organization of data
that I've collected or can gather from the world around us that can be used
to simplify and enhance everyday living. I would then like to tackle some
of the more exotic creative endeavors like multi-media training materials
and music and art just for the fun of it.

David Garner