Future Directions

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Roberto Lopez
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Future Directions

Post by Roberto Lopez »

It is very clear for me that Windows is the past.

Devices not having Windows installed are becoming more and more popular since the people don't care about that so much.

QT framework (accessible to us via HBQT) provides compatibility with the following platforms:

- Embedded Linux
- Mac OSX
- Windows
- Linux/X11
- Windows CE/Mobile
- Symbian
- Maemo

Is obvious that is time to change, so I've decided the following:

1. I'll stop any new development based on Windows API (HMG 3.0 will be the last one).

2. The next major HMG release (HMG 4.0) will be based on HMG OJECTS + HBQT so it will be:

a. Full standard OOP.
b. Full compatible with HMG semi-OOP style.
c. Multi-platform

3. I'll still work on HMG 3.0 to do maintenance (bug-fixing only).

4. After the base development in the HMG 4 release be complete, I'll create a team (If there are volunteers) to finish the work.

IMHO, the team work will be successful since:

a. HMG windows and controls properties events and methods (our project goals) are fully docummented.
b. QT classes are fully docummented.
c. QT is extremely high-level compared to Windows API.
d. QT classes has .prg level wrappers (HBQT) so, no C programming is required.
e. QT provides advanced functionality (ie: Inputmask for textbox is built in).
f. So, it's only matter of plug the adequate components in the right places :)

5. If we are successful, HMG 4 will be YOUR project.

6. Since I have a lot to learn and research yet (added to my others occupations) as I've already announced, I'll reduce my participation in the forum for some time (please don't worry :) ).

7. Hopefully, for HMG 10th birthday, I'll be another user/contributor :)
Regards/Saludos,

Roberto


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luisvasquezcl
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Re: Future Directions

Post by luisvasquezcl »

Estimado Roberto,
como siempre con tremendas noticias. Gracias nuevamente por tu dedicación.
saludos cordiales,
Luis Vasquez
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esgici
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Re: Future Directions

Post by esgici »

Roberto Lopez wrote: ...
The next major HMG release (HMG 4.0) will be based on HMG OJECTS + HBQT so it will be:
...
Definitely this is a major crossroad on HMG's way :)

I wish bright new horizons :D

Best regards

--

Esgici
Viva INTERNATIONAL HMG :D
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Rathinagiri
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Re: Future Directions

Post by Rathinagiri »

Well, thanks a lot for (y)our fantastic future plan Roberto.

I would also like to join hands for the multi-platform HMG. :) I welcome and wish to see this new dimension of HMG soon.

I think you had a better choice to choose QT over other tools (like GTK) after reading this: http://www.wikivs.com/wiki/GTK_vs_Qt

QT's LGPL allows to distribute the free version of QT along with non-open source applications, there by allowing us to create commercial applications too.
East or West HMG is the Best.
South or North HMG is worth.
...the possibilities are endless.
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Roberto Lopez
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Re: Future Directions

Post by Roberto Lopez »

rathinagiri wrote:Well, thanks a lot for (y)our fantastic future plan Roberto.

I would also like to join hands for the multi-platform HMG. :) I welcome and wish to see this new dimension of HMG soon.

I think you had a better choice to choose QT over other tools (like GTK) after reading this: http://www.wikivs.com/wiki/GTK_vs_Qt

QT's LGPL allows to distribute the free version of QT along with non-open source applications, there by allowing us to create commercial applications too.
As I've already stated I like GTK more, but HBQT is officialy supported/distributed with Harbour. This is a HUGE advantage.

Regarding license, QT allows the creation of proprietary (closed source) applications if you link it dynamically with QT libraries, so you must redistribute QTCORE4.DLL and QTGUI4.DLL.

Marcos Gambetta noted me that redistribution of these DLLS are allowed by QT license, so, there is no problems about that.

QT is extremely high level compared to GTK, so, will be possible to anyone without C language and Operating system internals knowledge to contribute. This is very important to turn HMG 4 in a true collaborative project. Any average Harbour programmer with an idea, only should to review QT documentation to write the right code to enhance HMG.

Finally, because the structure of HMG OBJECTS will be very easy to exchange back-ends frameworks, so an alternative version based on GTK will be always possible, specially if Harbour officially supports bindings for GTK in the future.
Regards/Saludos,

Roberto


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Rathinagiri
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Re: Future Directions

Post by Rathinagiri »

That's a great news Roberto. Wow. :)
East or West HMG is the Best.
South or North HMG is worth.
...the possibilities are endless.
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sudip
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Re: Future Directions

Post by sudip »

Hello Roberto,

Fantastic!!! :D
HMG4 will be an excellent tool :D
Roberto Lopez wrote:4. After the base development in the HMG 4 release be complete, I'll create a team (If there are volunteers) to finish the work.
I want to work as a volunteer in this project :)
Last edited by sudip on Thu Aug 12, 2010 2:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
With best regards,
Sudip
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sudip
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Re: Future Directions

Post by sudip »

Roberto Lopez wrote:...
QT framework (accessible to us via HBQT) provides compatibility with the following platforms:

- Embedded Linux
- Mac OSX
- Windows
- Linux/X11
- Windows CE/Mobile
- Symbian
- Maemo

...
Can we expect that one-day our apps will run on our Mobile Phones :D
With best regards,
Sudip
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mol
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Re: Future Directions

Post by mol »

I'm ready to join to work over this idea!
Marek
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Re: Future Directions

Post by Vanguarda »

Hi friends,

WOW, Very great news friends. I´m so glad to know this news.
The next version (4.0) will be "the distribution".

Thanks for the news Roberto, and very good luck in this new work.

My best wishes for you.

Regards,
--
Paulo Sérgio Durço (Vanguarda)


http://hmglights.wordpress.com/
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