Re: AW: [Jsynthlib-devel] Switch to JTree for the device list?

[Joe E. <jo...@em...>]

Joachim Backhaus wrote:

>>However, it would be even nicer if we could start classifying the 
>>devices as, say, synthesizer, drum machine, foot controller, 
>>etc.
>>    
>>
>
>I think that's a very good idea.
>
>Hmm, should the classification be done via the Device class
>using a new field "classification" or "type" as String?
>
>Should constants be used for the classifcations?
>
>Else it may be that one developer classifies
>the driver as being a "synthesizer" and another as "synthesiser" (Great britain).
>  
>
If I could carve it in stone and send it over email, I would:
          Individual synthdrivers should NOT be able to make up their 
own classification string.
          Individual synthdrivers should NOT be able to make up their 
own classification string.
          Individual synthdrivers should NOT be able to make up their 
own classification string.

The only way to do this (that I can see) which won't lead to chaos down 
the road is to have defined constants in the core app, like:
   public static final String DEV_TYPE_SYNTH = "Synthesizer";
   public static final String DEV_TYPE_DRUM = "Drum Machine";

Of course, we could take this further and have arrays for each type... 
listing the types in various languages (in anticipation of a 
multi-language version down the road someday).

Of course, there are some judgement calls that would have to be made. 
Many keyboard synths are controllers *and* synths (ie a keyboard 
controller and a rackmount synth) in the same box. They're probably best 
categorized together with the rackmount synths.

>Ok, I state an example here how I understood it:
>
>Default tree uses manufactures, e.g.:
>
>Behringer
>-> FCB-1010
>Quasimidi
>-> Quasar
>Roland
>-> JV-80
>-> JV-1080
>
>And a possibility is offered (via button or so) to
>order it by a classification, e.g.:
>
>MIDI Controller
>-> Behringer FCB-1010
>Synthesizer
>-> Quasimidi Quasar
>-> Roland JV-80
>-> Roland JV-1080
>  
>
Exactly! There'd also be the possibility of multiple levels like:

MIDI Controller
-> Art
---> X-11
---> X-15 Ultrafoot
-> Behringer
---> FCB-1010
Synthesizer
-> Roland
---> JV-80
---> JV-1080

And we could even, someday, do multiple levels of types:
MIDI Controller
-> Foot Controllers
-> Keyboard Controllers
-> Control Surfaces
Synthesizer
-> Keyboard Synthesizer
-> Rackmount Synthesizer
Drum Units
-> Drum Machines
-> Drum Modules/Brains

However, I'm getting a little too far ahead. I don't want to scare 
anybody. I just want to open everyone's eyes to the ultimate 
possibilities. What I'd like to see first, is for us to pick the 
"low-hanging fruit"... which is just getting the manufacturer/model 
JList going.

- Joe