Struggling to feel confident with LC mobile dev

[chipsm at themartinz.com]

This is a worthwhile posting. 
Thanks Jacque and Curry for keeping things in perspective.

Sincerely,

Clarence Martin
Email: chipsm at themartinz.com
Phone: 636 6965561

-----Original Message-----
From: use-livecode <use-livecode-bounces at lists.runrev.com> On Behalf Of
Curry Kenworthy via use-livecode
Sent: Sunday, June 30, 2019 3:42 AM
To: use-livecode at lists.runrev.com
Cc: Curry Kenworthy <curry at pair.com>
Subject: Re: Struggling to feel confident with LC mobile dev


Tom:

 > Can someone tell me if they have achieved a good scrolling  > and
rendering performance of text fields.

When it comes to performance, LC text fields usually are not the problem.
Quite the reverse! Good field performance in general (desktop and mobile)
and no big trouble on Android last time I tested. Any specific problem with
fields?

Shoddy code, overuse of controls, reliance on v1 data grids (sorry),
uncontrolled duplication of code or content, unplanned/uncontemplated I/O,
and failing to take LC's weaker areas into account for the design - these
are the culprits who have caused the most performance issues. Bad habits die
hard. Bad code dies harder.

For Android in particular, people forget that the typical device is not
designed to compete with an iMac Pro. Designed literally to be the lowest
common denominator for computing needs. Less forgiving, but that's a good
opportunity for improving code technique.

I've done my share of Android projects and fields, with good results
including the fields. Performance is judged per the task, and I don't know
your task. Generally good. Android does require some care if you're
delivering a lot of animation, effects, and so on.

Keep controls simple and code tight from the start. Tweak settings as needed
at the end. Then you should be fine! Confidence in LC is not the real
struggle. It just needs a little discipline and care for coding technique.
Good technique also overcomes hardware (and other) constraints to some
extent.

Yes, LC can make good Android apps. Be thou reasonably confident, but with
diligent care to thy code and settings.

Jacqueline:

 > The trick to smooth scrolling on mobile requires only two things:
 > use native scrollers and turn on acceleratedRendering.

(And quite doable even without native scrollers.)

BTW, those who care about good performance (Android and otherwise) could
vote for box filters in graphic effects:

https://quality.livecode.com/show_bug.cgi?id=11894

Not a field feature, but it can be used with fields for impressive effects.
Confirmed bug since 2014, existing LC feature which was lost since LC 6.5,
and although there are workarounds it would benefit and enrich projects;
this used to make a significant improvement to rendering speed for effects
on Android! Maybe one of those features that the more influential and vocal
clique was not using or talking about, and never realized its potential. :)

Also for those who recognize the importance of LC's own performance - it's
helpful to support improvements. 905/950 is much better at some tasks,
excellent progress. Much less huffing and puffing than LC 7-904! 
But don't be misled; as of rc1/dp1 some areas continue to lag. (I'll do a
followup video with specifics when time allows! Several things I must get
done first, including my own products.)

Ongoing LC performance bug/feature request here, good progress so far, feel
free to add your CC:

https://quality.livecode.com/show_bug.cgi?id=21561

Best wishes,

Curry Kenworthy

Custom Software Development
"Better Methods, Better Results"
LiveCode Training and Consulting
http://livecodeconsulting.com/

_______________________________________________
use-livecode mailing list
use-livecode at lists.runrev.com
Please visit this url to subscribe, unsubscribe and manage your subscription
preferences:
http://lists.runrev.com/mailman/listinfo/use-livecode