[Visualpython-users] better backup methods

[Symion <kn...@ip...>]

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Hello everyone,<br>
I have been using V-IDLE without problems for the last few weeks and
have just installed the the new Vpython 5.1, which works well, so far.
I particularly like the Auto-Save action, when running recently
modified programs.<br>
A good development aid that saves time and hassle.<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>
<div align="left">However, my reason for writing is due to the fact
that I recently lost some of my latest programs, thanks to a hardware
failure!<br>
A collection I had been working on called 'TheBestOf' was irretrievably
lost.<br>
Even though I had a strict regime for backing up on a regular basis, I
still ended up losing valuable data! <br>
When hardware FAILS, it always seems to happen just Before you backup!!<br>
So I have been forced to re-think the flawed methods used when saving
my work.<br>
<br>
These are my observations and conclusions.<br>
<br>
The method described here is designed to make it easier for Developers
to make Backups and Save their unique Work at the Same Time -
Automatically<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>
How it would work:<br>
When using V-IDLE and a New window is opened it is called 'untitled' by
default.<br>
When creating NEW files, as opposed to copying existing files, the
problem of saving the file and selecting a name becomes an issue.<br>
When you decide to save your work, you must Save As, (even if you try
to use the Save option.)<br>
This enables (forces?) you to type in a New name for your New program,
before saving it to the current folder or what ever device/directory&nbsp;
has been chosen.<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <br>
However, it would be useful at this point to be able to Save a Copy of
the file to somewhere else! <br>
This means you Back-Up you programs at The Same Time as you Save them. <br>
With minimum effort and a huge time saving.<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>
So the proposal is:<br>
Develop a New Menu option for V-IDLE File menu called ZenSave. (or some
such)<br>
ZenSave would be a save option that has Two Destination Paths!<br>
The First path is the currently selected path, called 'current'.<br>
The Second path is called the 'other', and points to another device
like a USB Drive or other HD. <br>
(Exactly what you would want for backup purposes!)<br>
You must be able to set the exact paths of 'current' and 'other'.<br>
Now whenever you ZenSave a file, it will be saved in Both places at the
same time - Automatically!<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>
Then if the dreaded HD failure should strike, you will at least have a
portable BACKUP of your ORIGINAL work!<br>
&nbsp; <br>
This solution is elegant as it solves the problems of saving and
backing up programs, and without the hassle and time consumed by the
need to double save each file to different places.<br>
It would also allow the use of different devices, which is vital for
secure program storage and archival purposes.<br>
<br>
I have not seen any implementation like this anywhere, except for a
dual hard drive system called Raid, which does the same thing in
hardware!<br>
This method is like a Raid backup system, but implemented in software.<br>
<br>
I believe that if this suggestion was taken up by any interested
developers, it would be of great assistance to Vpython developers, and
may save someone else from losing their valuable Original programs.<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>
Symion<br>
<br>
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