DX Tutorial what do you want to see?
Monday, February 12, 2007 by RomanDA | Discussion: OS Customization
If someone was to take the time to make a Good starter guide as well as a more in-depth guide to DX, what would you want to see?
Ex:
How do i make a simple clock?
How do you make a Folder Object?
What is a Group?
How do you store settings in DX?
Etc?
Please be detailed, it can help.
Ex:
How do i make a simple clock?
How do you make a Folder Object?
What is a Group?
How do you store settings in DX?
Etc?
Please be detailed, it can help.
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thomassen
Reply #22 Thursday, February 15, 2007 8:28 PM
I disagree. There's enough examples of the common widgets. The widget gallery is nowhere near to represent the true power of DX. I think more uncommon tutorials will be better and hopefully spark some new creations.
Reply #22 Thursday, February 15, 2007 8:28 PM
If I were you I'd stick to instructions/tutorials surrounding the most popular widgets. Obviously those are what people want to know how to do.
I disagree. There's enough examples of the common widgets. The widget gallery is nowhere near to represent the true power of DX. I think more uncommon tutorials will be better and hopefully spark some new creations.
ZubaZ
Reply #23 Thursday, February 15, 2007 9:48 PM
Reply #23 Thursday, February 15, 2007 9:48 PM
There's enough examples of the common widgets.
I agree. If you want a weather widget that looks like X, reverse engineer one of the ones out there. Same with clocks.
It's the difference between feeding a fish or teaching TO fish.
SirSmiley
Reply #24 Thursday, February 15, 2007 10:56 PM
While I agree with you and truthfully enough entry level tutorials exist between the manual and articles. Maybe the direction should be more focused on intermediate/advanced scripting tutorials?
You know that's simple enough yet people still ask how to accomplish things that are demonstrated in already existing scripts.
Reply #24 Thursday, February 15, 2007 10:56 PM
There's enough examples of the common widgets.
While I agree with you and truthfully enough entry level tutorials exist between the manual and articles. Maybe the direction should be more focused on intermediate/advanced scripting tutorials?
reverse engineer one of the ones out there
You know that's simple enough yet people still ask how to accomplish things that are demonstrated in already existing scripts.
sViz
Reply #25 Friday, February 16, 2007 1:33 AM
This is an excellent guide!
Reply #25 Friday, February 16, 2007 1:33 AM
1. Start small: A "Hello World" widget... Basically, just a widget that says (in text and/or graphics, "Hello World").
2. Next, a widget with a little interactivity: Two or three buttons that you can click to make a message window appear.
3. How to incorporate coding/scripting into the widget, so it can do more complex things.
4. How to store settings, such as configuration settings and user input.
5. How to retrieve info from your computer (system settings, resources, etc.)
6. How to retrieve info from internet sources.
7. How to interact with Windows and programs (e.g., Outlook).
Sample applications:
- Clock
- Weather
- Calculator
- Color chooser
- System monitoring tools
- Post-It notes
- Simple games (Centipede, etc.)
- RSS readers
- Search boxes
2. Next, a widget with a little interactivity: Two or three buttons that you can click to make a message window appear.
3. How to incorporate coding/scripting into the widget, so it can do more complex things.
4. How to store settings, such as configuration settings and user input.
5. How to retrieve info from your computer (system settings, resources, etc.)
6. How to retrieve info from internet sources.
7. How to interact with Windows and programs (e.g., Outlook).
Sample applications:
- Clock
- Weather
- Calculator
- Color chooser
- System monitoring tools
- Post-It notes
- Simple games (Centipede, etc.)
- RSS readers
- Search boxes
This is an excellent guide!
BoXXi
Reply #26 Friday, February 16, 2007 3:48 AM
Reply #26 Friday, February 16, 2007 3:48 AM
Hi Dave, I might be the second most downloaded DX author on Wincustomize, but I ALWAYS have trouble making themes Resolution independant. I think this is an important feature and I would really like to know the best way to go about making themes that will resize to any resolution on installation.
Thanks....... Bry.
Thanks....... Bry.
thomassen
Reply #27 Friday, February 16, 2007 5:51 AM
That's because they don't really want to touch any scripting them self. Which is fully understandable. But there is only that many ways of describing how to make a weather gadget. What they need isn't a tutorial on making a gadget, but scripting it self.
I'll be interesting with this new Gadget type SD will come out with where they apparently are skinable. Sounds like they are separating function and form.
This sounds like a good idea. I see questions about resolutions frequently.
Reply #27 Friday, February 16, 2007 5:51 AM
You know that's simple enough yet people still ask how to accomplish things that are demonstrated in already existing scripts
That's because they don't really want to touch any scripting them self. Which is fully understandable. But there is only that many ways of describing how to make a weather gadget. What they need isn't a tutorial on making a gadget, but scripting it self.
I'll be interesting with this new Gadget type SD will come out with where they apparently are skinable. Sounds like they are separating function and form.
Hi Dave, I might be the second most downloaded DX author on Wincustomize, but I ALWAYS have trouble making themes Resolution independant. I think this is an important feature and I would really like to know the best way to go about making themes that will resize to any resolution on installation.
This sounds like a good idea. I see questions about resolutions frequently.
PoSmedley
Reply #28 Friday, February 16, 2007 8:27 AM
Reply #28 Friday, February 16, 2007 8:27 AM
I appreciate all the tips, but...lol
I don't wanna keep 'adapting' other peoples scripts or regurgitating the same widgets over and over. I have some idea for stuff I haven't seen yet. I guess I am looking for a good source reference or tutorial that actually will, or can, 'teach' me all the basics of Java (that seems to be the most popular) as it would apply to widgets and such so I can create the things I have stuck in my head.
I don't wanna keep 'adapting' other peoples scripts or regurgitating the same widgets over and over. I have some idea for stuff I haven't seen yet. I guess I am looking for a good source reference or tutorial that actually will, or can, 'teach' me all the basics of Java (that seems to be the most popular) as it would apply to widgets and such so I can create the things I have stuck in my head.
RomanDA
Reply #29 Friday, February 16, 2007 8:50 AM
Reply #29 Friday, February 16, 2007 8:50 AM
There are a LOT of Java/VBSCRIPT references out there, but i was planning (and have) on having scripting tutorials that would cover the BASICS of scripts.
I believe there are a LOT of ideas out there... its making them a reality that is not the easiest.
I had thoughts a while ago of working on a "DX Service Site" that would allow people who want something built for them to go and request a quote, and maybe partner up with them on sales. IE: Holiday Countdown was the idea of Zubaz, and he and i worked together on that, he ripped it a new one, and i complained that i couldn't do what he thought it needed, then i made it do it, then he ripped THAT apart, etc. LOL
I do think that post#10 has the best approach to these tutorials, we can add more as we go, but its a good starting place.
All we need now is a dedicated web site to do this on.... wonder if stardock will give me space on a server? www.dxtutorials.com?
I believe there are a LOT of ideas out there... its making them a reality that is not the easiest.
I had thoughts a while ago of working on a "DX Service Site" that would allow people who want something built for them to go and request a quote, and maybe partner up with them on sales. IE: Holiday Countdown was the idea of Zubaz, and he and i worked together on that, he ripped it a new one, and i complained that i couldn't do what he thought it needed, then i made it do it, then he ripped THAT apart, etc. LOL
I do think that post#10 has the best approach to these tutorials, we can add more as we go, but its a good starting place.
All we need now is a dedicated web site to do this on.... wonder if stardock will give me space on a server? www.dxtutorials.com?
PoSmedley
Reply #30 Friday, February 16, 2007 8:55 AM
That would be awesome.
Reply #30 Friday, February 16, 2007 8:55 AM
All we need now is a dedicated web site to do this on.... wonder if stardock will give me space on a server? www.dxtutorials.com?
That would be awesome.
ZubaZ
Reply #31 Friday, February 16, 2007 9:07 AM
Reply #31 Friday, February 16, 2007 9:07 AM
I have to agree with RomanDA on this. The thing to do isn't to learn scripts that are already out there (more clocks, weather, etc.).
Good gadgets work one of two ways but start the same:
1. Have an idea for a great gadget
2. Learn needed scripting (lots of resources on the web)
3. Learn how to incorporate script into DX (sViz, Martin, RomanDA, CerebroJD, DX Wiki, Stardock documentation, etc)
4. Execute
5. Profit!! (or share)
OR
1. Have an idea for a great gadget
2. Learn how to incorporate script into DX (sViz, Martin, RomanDA, CerebroJD, DX Wiki, Stardock documentation, etc)
3. Learn needed scripting (lots of resources on the web)
4. Execute
5. Profit!! (or share)
The idea is the hardest part. The scripting is out there. The DX incorporation might be the missing part. I actually think that existing documentation, tutorials, and "open source" objects are sufficient if people want to do the work.
I have learned so much from all the DX tutorials out there but the thing is that much of the code was available out there but the real benefit was that I didn't think of putting it together in the way the DX Gods do.
I say "keep doing the tuts". And host them all together. and link to them often. But people that have a good idea for a DX thing will make the effort to make it happen or find someone else to make it happen whether there are tutorials or not.
Me, I'll hack away at objects that will never leave my desktop and push any ideas I have to the people who can execute it better than I ever will.
Good gadgets work one of two ways but start the same:
1. Have an idea for a great gadget
2. Learn needed scripting (lots of resources on the web)
3. Learn how to incorporate script into DX (sViz, Martin, RomanDA, CerebroJD, DX Wiki, Stardock documentation, etc)
4. Execute
5. Profit!! (or share)
OR
1. Have an idea for a great gadget
2. Learn how to incorporate script into DX (sViz, Martin, RomanDA, CerebroJD, DX Wiki, Stardock documentation, etc)
3. Learn needed scripting (lots of resources on the web)
4. Execute
5. Profit!! (or share)
The idea is the hardest part. The scripting is out there. The DX incorporation might be the missing part. I actually think that existing documentation, tutorials, and "open source" objects are sufficient if people want to do the work.
I have learned so much from all the DX tutorials out there but the thing is that much of the code was available out there but the real benefit was that I didn't think of putting it together in the way the DX Gods do.
I say "keep doing the tuts". And host them all together. and link to them often. But people that have a good idea for a DX thing will make the effort to make it happen or find someone else to make it happen whether there are tutorials or not.
Me, I'll hack away at objects that will never leave my desktop and push any ideas I have to the people who can execute it better than I ever will.
canmandeco
Reply #32 Friday, February 16, 2007 9:31 AM
That is easy enough. But is that for personal use only or can that be done with the intent of uploading it here. I may not know how to write scripts but I know I can edit them to suit my needs. My thought was that using someone elses script in your widget was basically a rip, regardless of what graphics were used, or changes made. Thats why I haven't experimented with them at all. In fact, I was surprised at the advise to search google for scripts. I thought everyone was writing their code from scratch. This thread has already taught me alot.
This was a great idea and I'm looking forward to the tutorials. Thanks
Reply #32 Friday, February 16, 2007 9:31 AM
I agree. If you want a weather widget that looks like X, reverse engineer one of the ones out there.
That is easy enough. But is that for personal use only or can that be done with the intent of uploading it here. I may not know how to write scripts but I know I can edit them to suit my needs. My thought was that using someone elses script in your widget was basically a rip, regardless of what graphics were used, or changes made. Thats why I haven't experimented with them at all. In fact, I was surprised at the advise to search google for scripts. I thought everyone was writing their code from scratch. This thread has already taught me alot.
This was a great idea and I'm looking forward to the tutorials. Thanks
ZubaZ
Reply #33 Friday, February 16, 2007 9:39 AM
Reply #33 Friday, February 16, 2007 9:39 AM
Anything that is uploaded here is open for you to tweak for persoanl use. You can even upload it back to here if you have permission from the author/artist. And Stardock has released their scripts to anyone with no permission needed.
So go! Build! Have fun! Report back and share!
So go! Build! Have fun! Report back and share!
ZubaZ
Reply #35 Friday, February 16, 2007 10:02 AM
There is no script repository per se. The Stardock scripts are part of almost every weather widget out there.
Find an object you want to tweak. If the script has permissions from Stardock included you are free to use it nand upload it to WC.
If the script belongs to someone else, you need to get permission to share.
You can use any code you want for personal use.
Reply #35 Friday, February 16, 2007 10:02 AM
But where are the Stardock scripts?
There is no script repository per se. The Stardock scripts are part of almost every weather widget out there.
Find an object you want to tweak. If the script has permissions from Stardock included you are free to use it nand upload it to WC.
If the script belongs to someone else, you need to get permission to share.
You can use any code you want for personal use.
Murex
Reply #36 Friday, February 16, 2007 10:50 AM
Reply #36 Friday, February 16, 2007 10:50 AM
Some times DX can be very intimidating to some people. It is vast and complex in certain areas. There are just too many things that can be done and done differently and what is easy for one person may be hard for another. Just an idea here. Have a thread where you invite people to tell you what areas they have the most problems in. With the understanding that there would not be any answers given in the thread, That this information would be used to build a data base of the most areas of confusion. This would give you an idea of what areas that would need the most explanations
As far as scripts go I have VB6 and I have created a few scripts with the help of the program. But I find that the terminology is different in DX then it is when I work in VB6 and that has a tendency to throw me off.. Some of the terms used like DIM and SUB I have no idea what it means. Maybe a list of the what the term means would be helpful to me and others interested in scripting.
On another note if I can be of any help putting the tutorial together or help out in any other way please let me know I would be glad to help out...
As far as scripts go I have VB6 and I have created a few scripts with the help of the program. But I find that the terminology is different in DX then it is when I work in VB6 and that has a tendency to throw me off.. Some of the terms used like DIM and SUB I have no idea what it means. Maybe a list of the what the term means would be helpful to me and others interested in scripting.
On another note if I can be of any help putting the tutorial together or help out in any other way please let me know I would be glad to help out...
RomanDA
Reply #37 Friday, February 16, 2007 10:54 AM
Reply #37 Friday, February 16, 2007 10:54 AM
There is a reason some of us upload gadgets vs widgets, the scripts. If i spend months on something and im planning in selling it (which im doing more and more now) i dont want my code out there form someone to reverse engineer from. If i post a WIDGET or OBJECT I feel im saying LOOK IT OVER, but if you use it (well more than a small part of the code) let me know, and ask if its ok to upload your version here.
There are a LOT of Stardock Scripts, load DX, import a widget, look at anything that says "CORE" or "SILICA" i believe these are ALL made by or for stardock, and are free to be used, thus the word "CORE" as is basis for creating items.
I find myself using code from CORE items all the time.
I have found that most people are OK with you using their scripts as most people's scripts are not 100% their own, they came from other widgets, or from web sites, etc.
Again, its best to ASK before uploading something that uses other's scripts.
I also believe that the CORE WEATHER images are free to be used as well. (need a SD person to verify that).
There are a LOT of Stardock Scripts, load DX, import a widget, look at anything that says "CORE" or "SILICA" i believe these are ALL made by or for stardock, and are free to be used, thus the word "CORE" as is basis for creating items.
I find myself using code from CORE items all the time.
I have found that most people are OK with you using their scripts as most people's scripts are not 100% their own, they came from other widgets, or from web sites, etc.
Again, its best to ASK before uploading something that uses other's scripts.
I also believe that the CORE WEATHER images are free to be used as well. (need a SD person to verify that).
dyana12
Reply #38 Friday, February 16, 2007 11:19 AM
Reply #38 Friday, February 16, 2007 11:19 AM
ZubaZ
Reply #39 Friday, February 16, 2007 11:25 AM
More info needed
Name of widget?
Link (if downloaded)?
Also, a new post may have been more appropriate to avoid hi-jacking this thread.
Reply #39 Friday, February 16, 2007 11:25 AM
Can someone tell me how to get the color changer to work in dx
More info needed
Name of widget?
Link (if downloaded)?
Also, a new post may have been more appropriate to avoid hi-jacking this thread.
DrJBHL
Reply #40 Friday, February 16, 2007 11:37 AM
Reply #40 Friday, February 16, 2007 11:37 AM
I'd like to see instructions on how to change theme resolutions. I've been pretty disappointed in the fact that these themes don't "autoadjust" to resolutions like 1440x900, and I know others have been as well.
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Reply #21 Thursday, February 15, 2007 7:46 PM
I'm a very bar graph kind of guy, and I want to pull info from my web server so I can display it in a bar graph on my Desktop - I think that would be a cool and useful application of DX. But the first step would be to learn how to do the graph - after that would be the reading external values to display the graph.
Maybe I'm all alone in this one - if so, could someone point me to where I could do some reading to try and muddle through? Any help is gratefully appreciated.