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View Full Version : Seeking Opinions on some DHTML


wranlon
16.08.2001, 14:17
I've been working on a set of windowing scripts for managing content and am interested in any opinions (while a completely different code base than DHTML Central's window scripts, DC is referred to early on in the overview). At present, only IE 5.5+ works. Screenshots are provided of the various incarnations the script has taken over the last couple years.

http://www.geocities.com/wranlon/

To view the example, visit the above URL and click the render button. The demo does not auto-magically start as I wanted it to be optional.

I am also interested in general opinions on whether browsing experience is made better by using internal MDI windows (DHTML Central's, my version, flash-based, etc) to display and manage content. For example, the goal of the above URL is to provide content to the client using a single UI that does not need to be reloaded. Granted, there may be a lot of reasons why this is not the best way to do things, hence the solicitation for constructive criticism.

frost
16.08.2001, 15:21
Actually, this is a very good way to do things. This' a very slick system, I especially like how dragged objects use outlines instead of using the resources to keep on drawing the whole thing. I was working on something similar and XML is definitely the way to go. Please continue with this :), as it's a lot more impressive than when done with flash

Constructive criticism:
- Why does nobody, when making a window system, have the focus made only when a click is on the titlebar...
- The loading message could be put in the status bar of the miniwindow...

blacklight
16.08.2001, 23:36
Its a could implimentation, but its really nothing that hasn't been done before. Viewers don't want to see more of "windows" even if it is a dhtml emulation. You have to create original implementations of DHTML to interest your users. You also have to be aware that IE5.5 is no the only browser out there. Think of all the Linux people who can't view your page! <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>

Claymore
17.08.2001, 04:18
Dhtml windows can certainly be cool, but imho they have to look appealing. I wouldn't want to visit a site that mimmics windows windows as closely as possible, but I don't see a problem in using a window concept with totally different graphics.
I couldn't claim otherwise anyway, since my own site uses windows too :)

I gotta agree with blacklight though, you should work on supporting more browsers.

- Peter -

wranlon
17.08.2001, 13:20
Thanks for the feedback.

Linux support, by way of Mozilla, exists. I am just having some trouble with the icons and menus, which is why it's not currently enabled.

As for the window look and feel, it's all customizable (no custom scrollbars though) - I just haven't made any different styles other than a couple basic ones.

Again, thanks for the suggestions and candor.