Apache OpenOffice (AOO) Bugzilla – Issue 115604
Layout Feature in Container Windows such as Docking windows & Dialogs
Last modified: 2013-01-29 21:43:18 UTC
A crucial feature has always been missing in the OOo. That's the Layout feature in Container windows like Docking Windows,floating windows such as Dialogs. A few hard coded dialogs or some container windows enable users to drag resize and the contained UI items remain visible or properly arranged. However, we don't have a generic layoutmanager for universal containers. Currently, only the framework layoutmanager provides basic layout feature in terms of toolbars. Other containers windows such as split window don't provide the extensive layout feature (e.g.splitwindow only has very basic layout management). However, as the layout management requirement demands, the layout feature needs to be brought to the table. As the Layout feature is not new to mention. Michael Micks from Novel has done some valuable attempt in terms of Dialogs in 2008. However I felt sorry that he mentioned in Budapest that the project has been aborted. I don't know if anyone available out there to "take over" again. The solution is already available as Carsten Driesner described. ALM stands for The Auckland Layout Model which is open source based as well. More information could be found at http://aucklandlayout.sourceforge.net . Also, I had a word with the author, he committed the source is open and applicable to the OOo code system just like other externals. This issue aim to query the current progress of related projects. if none of them currently open. Would the ALM be the option. As we need to take the licensing issues into consideration. the community should grant us to build up a project if any possibilities. Alternatively, a complete rewrite could also be possible using the same mechanism. I'd like to hear from you. Thanks all.
Changing issue type.
cd: Yes, a layout manager for docking windows and dialogs is a long needed feature. I think we will try to address this problem with the new docking windows, although nothing can be promised. Using a open source 3rd party library could be an option. cd: Set cl and fs on CC.
cd: I still wonder you meant "we" is your side or us. because the situation is quite awkward for us now. My side (RedFlag) doesn't quite clear if we should push the project forward. If your side wish to completely take over. Well, please kindly let us know considering the wasted efforts.
cd->robustchao: We (core developer in Hamburg) want to have docking windows (e.g. panels). I won't say that we waste time/efforts. It depends on your requirements and schedule. If you need layouting now and cannot wait several weeks or months than you have to find an independent way. We (here in Hamburg) try to find a solution with our limited resources. We want to have a good solution for docking windows and layouting. On of the top key points is to have a good design and implementation to keep the maintenance efforts as low as possible. Because priorities can be changed I cannot promise anything. I provided CL your information about the layout library from Australia and he wants to take a look. May be this is a way to go. Currently I am not involved in the layout part but try to implement the requirements from UX team regarding docking windows. You can take a look at the CWS dockingwindows2 which will contain my changes for the new docking windows based on requirements from UX team (Project Renaissance).
I didn't mean to argue with anybody. However, I am just considering the situation the company(redflag) confront. Personally, I couldn't see in which fashion we could cooperate. The team was trying hard, but none of the projects could belong to us belong to us. We finished the requirement of DockingWindows long time ago but the answer from your side is that we are on the different track. OK! you'd like to implement again by yourselves. We don't need your side to promise anything, but we need the permission to contribute. If it becomes a problem, then it's not waste your time but ours. Two years ago in Ovieto, I noticed your side that we had 4 people available for the dockingwindows project. until now, no assignment, nothing. However, the so-called limited resources was kept emphasizing all the time. Or if please be kind let me know that my people are not qualified to contribute, I certainly face the mad world easily. As the architect of the company, I don't know what I should do next. Perhaps if the OOo claims not to go open-sourced eventually. I would happily pack my stuff. Peacefully!(personal attitude, no personal offence, and nothing to do with the company)