[Minibits-general] program parameters and other base improvements]

[d <par...@co...>]

hey all;

i've been working on the settings and configuration panel for the
program and stumbled on a couple things that some of you may find of
interest.   here they are:

1 - project/program start-up.  i think it would be a really good idea to
replace the startup frmMainMenu with startup SubMain().  not replacing
the main menu or even changing it.  just using the SubMain to call the
frmMainMenu after some procedures take place.  item #2 has a initial
suggestion for that.  i would also like to use the SubMain to set the
app icon, etc before the form is displayed.

2 - debug mode.  would anyone else find it useful to add a DEBUG
parameter that can be specified as a cmd line switch (/DEBUG) when
launching the compiled code?  if in API mode then DEBUG would/could be
assumed.  for example, in property sheet i'd like add an additional tab
for debugging purposes which shows the current minibits key, subkeys and
values in the registry.  when run by the end user, this is hidden.  but
simply declare a global variable that can allow your code to determine
this mode.

3 - i'm pretty much done with the basic settings form.  it uses the
registry and the key; HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MiniBits.  there are
subkeys such as \Settings which will contain module specific data.  i'll
develop a layout map and post it shortly.  in the trnCNFDEF, which the
name will be changed, you'll see a huge comment section at the top where
i'll describe how to call and set parameters for Minibits.  it'll be
documented in greater detail once i get that task going. (referring to
the user/dev documentation task) i will not store any settings in the
database itself unless someone absolutely requires it.

4 - i guess this ties into item 1 but is a separate task.  command line
parser.  something that can take the Command() in the SubMain() and
parse the switches and options from it.  then process them.


well, it's time for a smog break and some caffeine.  i'll be interested
to see what you all think.  thanks


d
par...@us...