New GUI Framework for kX Plugin Dev.

Lex Nahumury · Feb 2, 2006, 08:13 AM

New: GUI Framework for kX Plugin Dev.

@Developers;
CLXGUI v1.0(alpha -debug)

http://members.home.nl/nahutec/clxgu...hot_silver.PNG
http://members.home.nl/nahutec/clxgu..._shot_bleu.PNG
http://members.home.nl/nahutec/clxgu...ot_classic.PNG

I wrote this Framework entirly from scratch using WIN32 API only.
No MFC, ATL, WTL or any other library is used.

Currently offers the next Windows common controls;
- Slider (Trackbar)
- Buttons
- Checkbox
- ComboBox
- Static (colororized)
- Edit control (colororized)

..and skinnable control objects;
- Slider (operable by mouse,wheel and keys)
- Rotary Knob (operable by mouse,wheel and keys)
- Buttons (2-state and momentary)
- Indicator
- Peak meter/Level Indicator

All these controls are subclassed and wrapped in easy
to use classes thereby 'hiding' the usual
message handling from the programmer.

To avoid discussions about 'Looks&Feel', I decided to use
Windows native look with XP-Theming support, and to put
default kX Items Reset, Mute, Bypass and Preset on the menu bar.

So the plugin's client area can either be 'skinned' or 'plain' Windows.
This is about the same approach as VSTGUI.
(host provides an OS-specific frame with caption,border, and default controls)
At least you don't have to worry about skinning the default kX items!

Other Features&Options:
- tooltips (independant text)
- hand cursor for controls
- 'Always On top' (keep visible)
- drag on content
- kX Fx Quick launch menu
- auto-(re)size to background bitmap
etc..

Writing a kX Plugin using this framework is practicly the
same as with KXGUI (and hopefully even easier).

Well there's more to tell ofcourse but since kX coders can be count
on less then one hand they can contact me (here,mail or private)
if they are interested and wish to recieve the h&lib,
and perhaps want to help in testing, bug hunting, solving issues, suggestions etc.

/Lex N.

**dj_stick** · Feb 2, 2006, 08:18 AM

looking good, i like the idea

townkat · Feb 2, 2006, 01:20 PM

this is really nice, i sincerly like it, thnx LeMury

dont forget about the text boxes

ohh.. i almost forgot.. Congratulations!!

ps. maybe u'll update profx to 3538i now cause the included vresion is an old one..

cya

Maddogg6 · Feb 2, 2006, 01:21 PM

Oh - I LOVE those knobs and buttons....

It amazing how much talent thats found in these forums....

Its very humbleing...

NICE WORK! FOR SURE.

Russ · Feb 2, 2006, 03:12 PM

Looks and sounds great! Nice work

BTW: What is up with that GuitarAmp, is that a real plugin?

thomasabarnes · Feb 2, 2006, 03:17 PM

Great look LeMury. Sorry for posting in this thread, me not being a kX programmer and all.

Lex Nahumury · Feb 2, 2006, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

BTW: What is up with that GuitarAmp, is that a real plugin?

Yes, and the EQ10m is a mono version of max's EQ10, the peak just a test/demo
I used for the peak class and Led class.

Russ · Feb 2, 2006, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeMury

Yes, and the EQ10m is a mono version of max's EQ10, the peak just a test/demo
I used for the peak class and Led class.

Sweet :)
You have been busy.

Sorry for going off topic, but I had to ask when I saw that pic.

Tril · Feb 2, 2006, 10:58 PM

Good work Lemury. Everything you program for the kX plugin is always of very high quality.

I could personally use KXGUI but it will make it easier for others to reuse my code if they ever want to make a plugin based on a plugin I write. It will also give an example of how to use CLXGUI to others. It also has some nice new features compared to KXGUI.

I'm interested. I could use it for my next plugin. I can't help much with testing, bug hunting and solving issues but if I use it, I'll report to you if I encounter any problems.

Some questions :
Where does the name CLXGUI come from?
Did you write a small tutorial on how to use it?
Did you comment clearly all the functions the programmers will use?
Do you have an example plugin that you wrote using it to give an example of how it should be used?

Lex Nahumury · Feb 3, 2006, 01:58 AM

@Tril;

The original idea was to provide a non-MFC based custom GUI framework for kX.
That never happened due to lack of time.
While KXGUI is fine for quick non-skinned plugin dev., anyone who ever tried to
write a skinned plugin can confirm that KXGUI has some strange quirks and
limitations when it comes to customization.
Also skinned KXGUI plugins can be quite CPU consuming and act 'sluggish'.

CLXGUI tries to address these issues, but will probably introduce new ones as well

.

>>Some questions :
>>Where does the name CLXGUI come from?
While coding I needed an alternative class name for CKXPluginGUI.
Hence the prefix CLX instead of CKX, 'L' beeing my first name's initial (lame I know).

>>Did you write a small tutorial on how to use it?
No, but it really isn't hard to use and I'm here to help.
>>Did you comment clearly all the functions the programmers will use?
No, but the class member functions in the headers are descriptive enough.
i.e. for a skinned Button;

virtual int Create(int ID, int left, int top, CLXPluginGUI* _parent,
HBITMAP _off, HBITMAP _on, char* tooltxt=0);

....leaves little to guess.

>>Do you have an example plugin that you wrote using it to give an example
>>of how it should be used?
Yes of course. Both skinned as well as 'normal'.

Also; using CLX is (and looks) almost the same as using KXGUI,
so it's not like.."huh?? what is going on here" when you look at the plugin code.

Lex Nahumury · Feb 3, 2006, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by townkat

..dont forget about the text boxes

cya

You mean Edit controls right?
If so, yes, normal Edit control is easy to add and I'm currently writing
a skinned (colored) Edit control. (which seems to be harder then I expected..hmm[EDIT] done!)

Anyway;
The idea is that I would add extra control objects to the framework on
programmers request as time goes by.

townkat · Feb 3, 2006, 05:33 PM

yup, edit control

cool

thnx

Lex Nahumury · Feb 4, 2006, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by townkat

yup, edit control

cool

thnx

But what do you want to use it for?
Simple setText and getText application,
or string to data conversion that call into set_param()??

Currently I only support text strings for labeling purposes
which do not call into set_param() ofcourse.

townkat · Feb 4, 2006, 09:46 PM

i wasn't expecting that they will work with get/set_param,

i need them for my mixy plugin channel labels (i use cedit now but if i will move to your framework i was thinkin to only use your objects)

Lex Nahumury · Feb 5, 2006, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by townkat

..i need them for my mixy plugin channel labels..

Ah, Ok, that should work fine (same way I use it for mx6).
Perhaps I'll add pure numerical input->set_param() functionality later
since that is quite some extra work.

zaboomafoo · Aug 14, 2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Well there's more to tell ofcourse but since kX coders can be count
on less then one hand they can contact me (here,mail or private)
if they are interested and wish to recieve the h&lib,
and perhaps want to help in testing, bug hunting, solving issues, suggestions etc.

Hello Lex,

How could I get hold of this nice gui framework? Is it available for download somewhere? I would like to use it for the plugin I am working on.

Regards,
Frank

Lex Nahumury · Aug 14, 2008, 03:14 PM

(Woow, this was 2,5 year ago, time really does fly..)

Anyway;
Sorry, the framework is not available.
To few interested coders + to much work to maintain etc etc..

zaboomafoo · Aug 14, 2008, 03:28 PM

Feb 2, 2006, 08:13 AM	#1
Lex Nahumury DH Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,883 Rep Power: 48	New GUI Framework for kX Plugin Dev. New: GUI Framework for kX Plugin Dev. @Developers; CLXGUI v1.0(alpha -debug) http://members.home.nl/nahutec/clxgu...hot_silver.PNG http://members.home.nl/nahutec/clxgu..._shot_bleu.PNG http://members.home.nl/nahutec/clxgu...ot_classic.PNG I wrote this Framework entirly from scratch using WIN32 API only. No MFC, ATL, WTL or any other library is used. Currently offers the next Windows common controls; - Slider (Trackbar) - Buttons - Checkbox - ComboBox - Static (colororized) - Edit control (colororized) ..and skinnable control objects; - Slider (operable by mouse,wheel and keys) - Rotary Knob (operable by mouse,wheel and keys) - Buttons (2-state and momentary) - Indicator - Peak meter/Level Indicator All these controls are subclassed and wrapped in easy to use classes thereby 'hiding' the usual message handling from the programmer. To avoid discussions about 'Looks&Feel', I decided to use Windows native look with XP-Theming support, and to put default kX Items Reset, Mute, Bypass and Preset on the menu bar. So the plugin's client area can either be 'skinned' or 'plain' Windows. This is about the same approach as VSTGUI. (host provides an OS-specific frame with caption,border, and default controls) At least you don't have to worry about skinning the default kX items! Other Features&Options: - tooltips (independant text) - hand cursor for controls - 'Always On top' (keep visible) - drag on content - kX Fx Quick launch menu - auto-(re)size to background bitmap etc.. Writing a kX Plugin using this framework is practicly the same as with KXGUI (and hopefully even easier). Well there's more to tell ofcourse but since kX coders can be count on less then one hand they can contact me (here,mail or private) if they are interested and wish to recieve the h&lib, and perhaps want to help in testing, bug hunting, solving issues, suggestions etc. /Lex N. Last edited by Lex Nahumury; Mar 9, 2006 at 03:46 PM. Reason: updated

Feb 2, 2006, 01:20 PM	#3
townkat DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Romania Posts: 123 Rep Power: 0	this is really nice, i sincerly like it, thnx LeMury dont forget about the text boxes ohh.. i almost forgot.. Congratulations!! ps. maybe u'll update profx to 3538i now cause the included vresion is an old one.. cya __________________ mixy kx plugins http://www.geocities.com/picacioiu/

Feb 2, 2006, 03:17 PM	#6
thomasabarnes DriverHeaven Maniac Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: USA Posts: 1,315 Rep Power: 44 System Specs	Great look LeMury. Sorry for posting in this thread, me not being a kX programmer and all. __________________ May a song always touch you in a positive way. Sonar 8 Producer Edition, Vista Ultimate 64Bit, MOTU UltraLite MK3, 250 GB HDD 7200 rpm, 80 GB HDD 7200 rpm, Lite-On DVDRW LH 18A1P My Music Production: Top 40, Contemporary Christian, Pop/Rock, Decent Rap, Inspirationals, and Children Songs

Feb 3, 2006, 01:58 AM	#10
Lex Nahumury DH Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,883 Rep Power: 48	@Tril; The original idea was to provide a non-MFC based custom GUI framework for kX. That never happened due to lack of time. While KXGUI is fine for quick non-skinned plugin dev., anyone who ever tried to write a skinned plugin can confirm that KXGUI has some strange quirks and limitations when it comes to customization. Also skinned KXGUI plugins can be quite CPU consuming and act 'sluggish'. CLXGUI tries to address these issues, but will probably introduce new ones as well . >>Some questions : >>Where does the name CLXGUI come from? While coding I needed an alternative class name for CKXPluginGUI. Hence the prefix CLX instead of CKX, 'L' beeing my first name's initial (lame I know). >>Did you write a small tutorial on how to use it? No, but it really isn't hard to use and I'm here to help. >>Did you comment clearly all the functions the programmers will use? No, but the class member functions in the headers are descriptive enough. i.e. for a skinned Button; virtual int Create(int ID, int left, int top, CLXPluginGUI* _parent, HBITMAP _off, HBITMAP _on, char* tooltxt=0); ....leaves little to guess. >>Do you have an example plugin that you wrote using it to give an example >>of how it should be used? Yes of course. Both skinned as well as 'normal'. Also; using CLX is (and looks) almost the same as using KXGUI, so it's not like.."huh?? what is going on here" when you look at the plugin code. Last edited by LeMury; Feb 3, 2006 at 02:46 AM.

Feb 3, 2006, 05:33 PM	#12
townkat DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Romania Posts: 123 Rep Power: 0	yup, edit control cool thnx __________________ mixy kx plugins http://www.geocities.com/picacioiu/

Feb 2, 2006, 01:21 PM	#4
Maddogg6 Tail Razer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bernyurass, AZ - USA Posts: 4,027 Rep Power: 36	Oh - I LOVE those knobs and buttons.... It amazing how much talent thats found in these forums.... Its very humbleing... NICE WORK! FOR SURE.

Feb 2, 2006, 03:12 PM	#5
Russ DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 4,836 Rep Power: 41	Looks and sounds great! Nice work BTW: What is up with that GuitarAmp, is that a real plugin?

Feb 2, 2006, 10:58 PM	#9
Tril S-3D enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 1,561 Rep Power: 39 System Specs	Good work Lemury. Everything you program for the kX plugin is always of very high quality. I could personally use KXGUI but it will make it easier for others to reuse my code if they ever want to make a plugin based on a plugin I write. It will also give an example of how to use CLXGUI to others. It also has some nice new features compared to KXGUI. I'm interested. I could use it for my next plugin. I can't help much with testing, bug hunting and solving issues but if I use it, I'll report to you if I encounter any problems. Some questions : Where does the name CLXGUI come from? Did you write a small tutorial on how to use it? Did you comment clearly all the functions the programmers will use? Do you have an example plugin that you wrote using it to give an example of how it should be used?

Feb 4, 2006, 09:46 PM	#14
townkat DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Romania Posts: 123 Rep Power: 0	i wasn't expecting that they will work with get/set_param, i need them for my mixy plugin channel labels (i use cedit now but if i will move to your framework i was thinkin to only use your objects) __________________ mixy kx plugins http://www.geocities.com/picacioiu/

Aug 14, 2008, 03:14 PM	#17
Lex Nahumury DH Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,883 Rep Power: 48	(Woow, this was 2,5 year ago, time really does fly..) Anyway; Sorry, the framework is not available. To few interested coders + to much work to maintain etc etc..

Aug 14, 2008, 03:28 PM	#18
zaboomafoo DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 28 Rep Power: 0

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