MC IDE 2.6 - next steps

[Ken Ray]

> Should I proceed with a change from opening as toplevel to simply 
> opening in the stack's native mode?
> 
> Should we leave it as it is for v2.6b6 and decide later?

I suggest leaving it alone for the standard "Open" (i.e. open as toplevel),
and if the optionKey is held down when selecting Open that the stack is
opened in its native mode. 

> 2. HyperCard-style script access
> --------------------------------
> Tariel Gogoberidze suggested a modification to allow quick 
> script access 
> in browse mode (see 
> <http://www.mail-archive.com/metacard@lists.runrev.com/msg1058
> 8.html>). 
>   Jacque uses a similar method, and while I haven't I see the 
> value of 
> it and would probably use it if it were available.
> 
> Please review Tariel's suggestion and post whether you feel 
> it should be 
> added or not.

I like the idea, however it does have the issue with interfering with stacks
that may want to use command-option-click to mean something. Granted it's in
the minority, and so I'd suggest implementing it, but with a note in the
Read Me that provides the caveat.

> 3. Help->Support...
> -------------------
> The Help->Support item currently opens a form that sends a message to 
> Scott Raney, but of course now that the IDE is open source 
> Scott doesn't 
> provide support for it.
> 
> We can either remove the menu item (my lazy preference), or 
> one of you 
> can write a replacement stack explaining that support is available 
> through this mailing list.
> 
> What do you think is most appropriate option for an IDE with 28 users?

Remove it. The reason I say this, is that for anyone who uses Rev who wants
to shift to MetaCard, they have to go to this group to get the IDE in the
first place, so they already know there are people available to talk to if
there are issues.

> 4. Plugins Manager -- multiple "modes"
> --------------------------------------
> Please review the new options in B5 and speak up if you have 
> any issues 
> with the changes there.  I have no doubts about the quality 
> of Robert's 
> excellent scripting, but there were some questions here earlier about 
> the necessity of the multiple modes/types now supported.  My 
> own opinion 
> is that as long as they do no harm I see no problem with 
> letting those 
> modifications stand, and they may be useful to others as 
> well. So while 
> I'm in favor of them, I think we'd all like to see v2.6 go 
> final soon so 
> this is the time to speak up or forever hold your peace. :)

Looks fine to me.

On final suggestion: could future versions of the IDE be posted as .zip
instead of .sit? This would make it easier for Windows users to access the
IDE, and wouldn't hamper Mac users.

Thanks,

Ken Ray
Sons of Thunder Software
Email: kray at sonsothunder.com
Web Site: http://www.sonsothunder.com/