I’m still working with the basic stuff needed for cross-platform support. For those interested, I’ve been collecting/creating code that can be used in both Delphi and FPC, mainly string handling routines and classes like StringList. To make things easier, I’ll only support Windows versions that have Unicode support (Win2000 and up).

Today I did some work with CE. I added Exclude button to the Filters panel. If it’s checked, filtered files will be hidden instead of shown. I also added options to automatically select and/or sort pasted files. Both are enabled by default but they can be turned off from Options -> Advanced -> FileView. I did very little testing with them so let me know if there’s problems.

Change Log

• Added exclude button to filters panel.
• Added SelectPasted and SortAfterPaste settings for Fileview.
• Fixed resize bug when using Fullscreen mode.
• Rename is now possible in Search tab.
• Changed "Refresh Fileview" icon to green.
• Text filter now searches from complete filename (including extension).
• Swapped default mapping of Ctrl+PageUp and Ctrl+PageDown to work other way around.
• Updated French translation (thanks to BB).
• Updated Russian translation (thanks to Vitaly).

CubicExplorer 0.95.1.1454 (SVN Snapshot)
Installer (2.9MB)
Portable (3.4MB)

Little offbeat timing on these notes but… who cares. Last week I was supposed to continue my work with the UI platform but decided to create the basics before that. I did lot’s of research on what it takes to add cross-platform support. Also been learning things about FPC which I’ll be using to compile CE 2.0. I won’t bother with Lazarus because I only need the compiler. I’ll do the coding in Delphi’s IDE which is much better IMHO.

Register as Default File Manager

On weekend I somehow ended up working with the “Register as Default File Manager” feature. Not really sure why I did it but it’s done now. It should work in XP, Vista and Win7, at least those I’ve tested. It probably will work in 2000, 2003 and 2008 too.

Notice, in Vista and Win7, Control Panel will open in Windows Explorer. Also child items in Control Panel will open in a separate window. At the moment I’m out of ideas on how to fix it. But it’s only a minor grief I think.

Change Log

• Added option to register CE as default file manager.
• Fixed bug in session loading when /icon switch is used.
• Fixed separator bug in FileSearch when using multible locations.
• Search button now shows progress dots when running.
• CurrentDirectory is now changed to the active path.
• Changed path handling to support environment variables.
• Updated Dutch translation (thanks to Karel Baerten).
• Updated Romanian translation (thanks to Stefan Arhip).

CubicExplorer 0.95.1.1449 (SVN Snapshot)
Installer (2.9MB)
Portable (3.4MB)

It’s been steady progress. This week I’ve been working with a component that will be used to display items. It’s already fairly general design meaning the same code could be used for toolbars, menus… etc. Next week I’ll push it even deeper and hope to end up with a general platform for UI creation. After that, I’ll tackle the infamous docking system.

At this point, I guess there’s no turning back. Full speed ahead towards CE 2.0. Looking forward to see what this year brings with it. Lot’s of cool stuff coming to CE, can’t wait to see them in action!

Slowly starting work again. For the past two weeks I’ve been working with some fresh code. Last week I started to create a new framework for QuickView. My plan was to add support for plugins. It eventually developed into a more generic solution for creating plugin based applications.

In 2012, I’m going to aim my focus on CubicExplorer 2.0. Even though it’s going to be a complete rewrite, it doesn’t mean there’s not going to be any progress in CE 1.0. Current CE will be used as a testing ground for new stuff. For example, the new QuickView code I’ve been working will be implemented in there.

Next snapshot?

Not sure. Maybe next week, maybe in January. I honestly don’t know at this point. At the moment I’m on a nice track in developing some fresh ideas, don’t want to disturb that.

Well here we are, once again. Looks like the break happens every year whether I want it or not. Thankfully this time it doesn’t feel as bad as previously so there has been some progress. I’ve also been busy with tests relating to the week 14 post.

Anyway, I managed to get some work done last Friday and today. Nothing much, few bug fixes and few improvements. There’s now a Refresh Fileview button available which let’s you refresh only the fileview area. This might be helpful in terms of speed when working with network drives. Also I added /icon command line switch which let’s you change CE’s icon (only ico files work).

Change Log

• Added support for libraries on command line.
• Added support for system variables in Address Bar.
• Added hint to Tray Icon.
• Added /icon command line switch to change CE’s icon.
• Added "Refresh Fileview" button.
• Fixed missing 7z.dll bug.
• Fixed issue where CE saved settings to working folder.
• Fixed CheckBox selection bug in SingleClickBrowse mode.
• Updated Brazilian Portuguese translation (thanks to Luciano Sturaro).

CubicExplorer 0.95.1.1434 (SVN Snapshot)
Installer (2.9MB)
Portable (3.4MB)

Back from the “break”. Actually it was only a break from CE, I kept working with another project. Now it’s done and I can continue with CE. I probably will need to take a REAL break later this fall as I’ve done tons of work in the past month or so, starting to be little tired.

Few weeks ago I got a new work system. Finally everything works nice and fast. It’s really a joy to work now. I also got a bigger monitor to boost productivity. The biggest benefit is that now I can do tests in virtual machines with ease.

Anyway, there’s only a Lock Toolbars added in this weeks snapshot. I spent most of the week in setting up the programming environment for CE. Next week should be little better.

Change Log

• Added "Lock Toolbars" setting.
• Not using LockWindowUpdate anymore.
• Updated Portuguese translation (thanks to Mário Gonçalves).
• Updated Korean translation (thanks to Jinhwan-Jeong).
• Updated Ukrainian translation (thanks to Igor Paliychuk).
• Updated French translation (thanks to BB).
• Updated German translation (thanks to nefycee).
• Updated Slovak translation (thanks to Sepp Winkler).
• Updated Italian translation (thanks to Folgore101).
• Updated Japanese translation (thanks to benok).

CubicExplorer 0.95.1.1431 (SVN Snapshot)
Installer (2.9MB)
Portable (3.4MB)

This week I worked with a new messaging system. As I was thinking about how to add threading support for the item system, I ended up with a more generic solution based on messages. Basically it will be CE’s brains. Eventually every action CE takes will happen through that system. First prototype is already up and running, with threading support. My next task will be to see how the item system works with the messaging system.

I did little work with CE too. You can now find a System Power button in Customizer->Buttons->Tools. With it you can shutdown, reboot, logoff…etc. I also added two new icons and removed the Item Count and Day Limit editors from Undo Delete. You can change those settings from Advanced settings. Also multi selection in Bookmarks should now work correctly.

Due to other commitments, I don’t have time to work with CE for the next few weeks. So there will be a break in snapshots and notes. I also ordered a new work computer (finally had enough with the slow old piece of s***). It’ll take some time before I get everything up and running.

Change Log

• Added "System Power" toolbar button.
• Added icon for "Always On Top".
• Added icon for "New Window"
• Fixed Bookmark multi selection.
• Removed "Item Count" and "Day Limit" editors from Undo Delete.
• Removed default hotkey (Ctrl+Z) from Undo Delete.
• Updated Spanish translation (thanks to juanmanuel).
• Updated German translation (thanks to nefycee).
• Updated French translation (thanks to BB).
• Updated Hungarian translation (thanks to Mezei Zoltan).

CubicExplorer 0.95.1.1430 (SVN Snapshot)
Installer (2.9MB)
Portable (3.4MB)

Last week’s snapshot wasn’t very good. It had some bugs that needed to be fixed asap. So here’s new Official release. I changed Undo Delete button’s menu a bit. It’s now possible to restore all items or just items that are visible in the menu. There’s also a setting for limiting the item count on the fly. You can also set a limit for item’s age. If you want unlimited, use -1. To open Recycle Bin, click on “Recycle Bin”. I’m looking for a way to add check boxes so it would be easier to restore multiple items.

Other changes include 3 new icons, some bug fixes and Advanced FileView settings (FullRowDblClick and FolderUpOnDblClick) to enable/disable “folder up on double click”.

Change Log

• Added Restore All and Restore List to Undo Delete.
• Added Item Count and Day Limit editors to Undo Delete menu.
• Added icons for Select All, Invert Selection and Checkbox Selection.
• Added FullRowDblClick and FolderUpOnDblClick Advanced options for FileView.
• Fixed bug with Context Menu key.
• Fixed possible crash on start up.
• Fixed possible crash in Bookmarks.
• Fixed possible crash in Version Manager.
• Updated Readme and License files.
• Tweaked "Double click Folder Up".
• Tweaked resource usage with Undo Delete button.
• Updated French translation (thanks to BB).
• Updated Spanish translation (thanks to juanmanuel).
• Updated Italian translation (thanks to Folgore101)
• Updated German translation (thanks to nefycee).
• Updated Swedish translation (thanks to eson).
• Updated Russian translation (thanks to ext5).

CubicExplorer 0.95.0.1424 (SVN Snapshot)
Installer (2.9MB)
Portable (3.4MB)

CubicExplorer 0.95 (Official)
Installer (2.9MB)
Portable (3.4MB)

Let’s see, I spend the beginning of this week in refreshing my memory about threads. For those interested, here’s a great guide to multithreading. Ideas for the new item system are slowly cooking. Can’t really rush them as it would only cause problems in the long run. Next week is short for me due to other commitments so don’t know if I can finish the threading support.

Anyway, I managed to do some work with CE. I added Undo Delete button. Don’t remember why I did that as it wasn’t planned for this week. Oh well, it’s now done which is nice . Basically the button shows items from Recycle Bin. You can Restore files/folders by clicking them. The number of items shown can be changed from Advanced settings. Also there’s an option to disable the confirmation dialog.

I changed some things in Update settings. So you might see a message about “update type notifications” when you use Check For Updates. Go to Options->Updates and choose the update types you want to be notified. If you have no update types selected, you won’t be notified at all, not even if the automatic check is enabled. When you are notified about new version, there’s now more information about the update.

I’ll make this snapshot to be the new Official download.

Change Log

• Added Undo Delete button.
• Added ShowGridLines Advanced option for FileView.
• Update notification now show more information.
• Enter and Esc now works as expected in windows.
• Fixed AutoSelectFirstItem issues (#418).
• Fixed Multi Selection in Bookmark panel.
• Usability fix to Update settings.
• Fixed Empty Recycle Bin button refresh issue.
• Updated Spanish translations (thanks to Javier Gutierrez)
• Updated Chinese Simplified translation (thanks to carpodacus)
• Updated French translation (thanks to BB)
• Updated Slovak translation (thanks to Sepp Winkler)

CubicExplorer 0.95.0.1420 (SVN Snapshot)
Installer (2.9MB)
Portable (3.3MB)

CubicExplorer 0.95 (Official)
Installer (2.9MB)
Portable (3.3MB)

Nothing too special in this weeks snapshot. 2 new icons and some bug fixes. I spent the whole week in designing the Item Provider I talked about last week. It’s a simple concept but difficult to design. On the other hand, I’ve always been poor in designing programs. Maybe those are the skills you learn in school. I’ve tried to learn to use UML to help the designing process but it’s still painfully difficult. Anyway, I managed to create a working prototype so things are getting easier from now on since I have something concrete to work with.

Next week I’ll implement threading support which should be quite a challenge. After that I can start to add this code into CE. I’m thinking that at first bookmarks will use this new system. Then slowly I’ll replace FolderTree and FileView with the new system.

NOTICE!!!
Please use the Help->Check For Updates instead of Version Manager to do the update if you are using last weeks snapshot (0.95.0.1414). There was a bug which makes CE crash when you push the Download button. It’s fixed in this weeks build.

Change Log

• Added icon for Show Hidden Files.
• Added icon for Show Extensions.
• Check For Updates now shows connection error message.
• Fixed bug in Version Manager’s Download button.
• Fixed BrowseZipFolders in Folder panel (again).
• Fixed bug when opening multiple files with Enter.
• Updated Portuguese translation (thanks to Mário Gonçalves).
• Updated German translation (thanks to nefycee).
• Updated French translation (thanks to BB).

CubicExplorer 0.95.0.1415 (SVN Snapshot)
Installer (2.9MB)
Portable (3.3MB)