Some best practice Questions

[Tate83]

Hi all,

I am working on my first project, a tool on Linux and Windows with around 10 cards and a sqlite db. Probably I will integrate MySQL or other DBs later on as well, but that shouldn't be a problem with André's DBLib anyway.

I do have some other questions which I am sure some of you have already encountered and can advise me on some best practice.

1. How do you skin your app and make it resizable on desktops? Do I use the same as with mobiles where basically every field and button size is based on a screen resolution factor? Or is there a better/quicker way?
2. How do you make it multilingual? I will start off with english but might want to implement further languages later on. Do you usually store your translations in a DB table and always use DB functions to get the proper titles of the fields/buttons? Doesn't this impact performance on weaker computers?
3. Do you usually create an installer to copy DB templates, .exe files and stuff to the right paths? Or do you just deliver the .exe? How about uninstall?
4. How would I go ahead to implement some licensing? Sure I would buy the commercial edition of LC and the plugins I use, but what else would you do? How do you check licensing and how often? How do you decide on pricing?

Looking forward to your input

Thanks,
Pascal

[Mark]

Hi Pascal,

Usually, controls resize dynamically in desktop applications. It means that for every arbitrary window size, you'll want to have your controls sized properly. This means that you can't set up a routine for predetermined resolution, as you'd do on mobile devices. Usually, I determine which fields need to be resizable and which can be static and I write a script that resizes or repositions the controls relative to the card size in the resizeStack handler.

An easy way to "skin" your app is to use graphic controls with effects and use these behind transparent controls. In most of my projects, I don't skin anything and I just use the native controls because those match the operating system best. (I know, this doesn't apply to mobile operating systems).

For my Windows projects, I use Installer Maker. Installer Maker also includes an uninstaller. On OSX, I usually deliver the application package and I programme my standalone in such a way that I can keep all my files inside the application package. Sometimes, I use Installer Maker also for OSX. If you buy the commercial version of Installer Maker, then you can use it as plugin, otherwise you need to use the standalone version.

For licensing, I have a very simple library. Important is to make sure to update your software regularly and to disable very old license keys for new updates. There are many approaches to licensing, from donation ware to very strict license checking systems using an on-line database. By now, I've made them all. If you like,you could contact me and perhaps my company can set up something for you.

Also, since you're working on your first project, my book might be interesting to you.

Kind regards,

Mark

[Tate83]

Hi Mark,

Thank you for the input!
I will look into the resizestack handler and do some nice controls.

Depending on the licensing I am going to choose I will probably get in contact to you again regarding installer and license keys.

Afaik, your book should already be on the way

Regards,
Pascal

[Mark]

Hi Pascal,

I look forward to your e-mail.

Yup, you're right. I happen to have the database open on my screen and I can see that you'll get the book any day now.

Kind regards,

Mark

[Tate83]

Hi Mark,

Great, I'm looking forward to get even deeper into LC

Regards,
Pascal

[FourthWorld]

4. How would I go ahead to implement some licensing?

It's tedious work to write a good licensing scheme, but if you're inclined here are some tips I found helpful when writing my own reg system:
http://www.inner-smile.com/nocrack.phtml

But if you'd like to save some time, Jacque Gay's excellent Zygodact has become a very popular solution for adding a license registration system to LiveCode apps:
http://livecode.com/store/marketplace/zygodact-1-0-4/

[Mark]

Hi,

Right, making a licensing system is better left to the real experts with experience Pascal, I'd be happy to give you some off-list advice if you like.

Kind regards,

Mark

[Dixie]

Where the hell are we going to find a real expert ?...

[Mark]

Dunno... Dixie... maybe look here and there and take your pick

Best,

Mark

[jacque]

On the other hand, custom off-list advice can get expensive.

[Mark]

Do you have experience with that, Jacque?

Mark

[jacque]

Let's not get snarky, Mark.

[Mark]

You started it, Jacque.

Mark

[Klaus]

Someone called my name?

[FourthWorld]

Someone called my name?

Looks like it - searching livecode.com for "consultants" pulls you up in the list:
http://livecode.com/about/consultants/