Desktop X: Help a newbie get started

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 by sViz | Discussion: DesktopX

I think I posted this in the wrong forum before so I am reposting it here.


I am using DesktopX 3.0

Scripting is my main problem as I have no experience with it. It is also the key to making my interactive object.

I want to make a bubble (for example) in which the user can drag and drop programs/files, thus creating a shortcut. They would then right-click on the shortcut and name it. The shortcut would appear as the text they just typed in. In the end it will be a widget or a gadget. I need to know what script functions to use to accomplish this.

I have TONS of questions but I’ll start with 3:

1. How do I create an object that allows user input? (like those "Stickies" post its for your desktop)
2. How do I make sure the text the user inputs is not too long?
3. How do I make sure the shortcuts stay in the bubble?



Thank you
RomanDA
Reply #1 Tuesday, April 18, 2006 7:46 PM
sViz,

I would suggest you take and load desktopx, switch to "builder" mode, then import a widget that you are interested in seeing how works. You can look at the code and see how things are done. Then try and setup something similar.

You might also want to look up "VBSCRIPT" on the internet and see how it works, as that is the main language (well Javescript as well) in DX.

Personally, i find it best to examine others code to see how things work, and try and de-code it to see how it all works. DX is a VERY great program with a lot of abilities (a lot im still finding out).

I would start simple and work up from there. Dont try and make an entire widget or theme all at once, just make a simple object that does what you want it to do, then expand from there.

Good luck, and feel free to come back and ask q's as you begin to learn. Also, a good place to hang out is in #Stardock irc chat. You can get a lot faster responses in there.

sViz
Reply #2 Tuesday, April 18, 2006 8:31 PM
Thank you RomanDA. I have been searching the WinCustomize objects for something similar to what I need. I found an EditField by Brad Wardell. That's something like what I want so I'll spend some time trying to understand just what all that lingo is in the script. Thanks for the tip on Stardock IRC chat. I'll try there, too. If anyone else has any answers or tips please feel free to issue some advice.

Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

  • Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
  • Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
  • Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
  • It's simple, and FREE!



web-wc01