Issue 115604 - Layout Feature in Container Windows such as Docking windows & Dialogs
Summary: Layout Feature in Container Windows such as Docking windows & Dialogs
Status: CONFIRMED
Alias: None
Product: General
Classification: Code
Component: ui (show other issues)
Version: OOo 1.0.0
Hardware: All All
: P3 Trivial (vote)
Target Milestone: ---
Assignee: AOO issues mailing list
QA Contact:
URL:
Keywords:
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2010-11-16 07:03 UTC by robustchao
Modified: 2013-01-29 21:43 UTC (History)
4 users (show)

See Also:
Issue Type: FEATURE
Latest Confirmation in: ---
Developer Difficulty: ---


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Description robustchao 2010-11-16 07:03:08 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.
Comment 1 Olaf Felka 2010-11-16 07:15:12 UTC
Changing issue type.
Comment 2 carsten.driesner 2010-11-16 08:53:17 UTC
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.
Comment 3 robustchao 2010-11-19 03:05:17 UTC
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.
Comment 4 carsten.driesner 2010-11-19 08:03:23 UTC
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).
Comment 5 robustchao 2010-11-22 08:48:05 UTC
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)