Comment Re:Solving the GUI layout manager problem (Score 2, Insightful) 92
The problem with visual designers is that:
a. They either muck with your code by generating/parsing code or they use a proprietary format
b. you can't touch the generated code
c. you need to ensure that the version of the tool your using and the generated layout code are in synch (not a problem now, but what happens to your layouts with Matisse 2.0 rolls around?)
d. They require everyone to use the same tool
e. and probably the most important thing, they don't handle dynamic forms
Matisse, while an accomplished tool, still suffers from these problems.
Hand coded layouts are still the way to go in my opinion.
[disclaimer - The following is promotion of a product I have commercial interest in - stop if you're offended]
Now traditionally hand coding has been a real PITA, but I just released a new layout manager that solves a lot of the headaches of current layout managers. Check it out at http://www.zonelayout.com/.
a. They either muck with your code by generating/parsing code or they use a proprietary format
b. you can't touch the generated code
c. you need to ensure that the version of the tool your using and the generated layout code are in synch (not a problem now, but what happens to your layouts with Matisse 2.0 rolls around?)
d. They require everyone to use the same tool
e. and probably the most important thing, they don't handle dynamic forms
Matisse, while an accomplished tool, still suffers from these problems.
Hand coded layouts are still the way to go in my opinion.
[disclaimer - The following is promotion of a product I have commercial interest in - stop if you're offended]
Now traditionally hand coding has been a real PITA, but I just released a new layout manager that solves a lot of the headaches of current layout managers. Check it out at http://www.zonelayout.com/.
