Programming Challenge -- Skinned Browser

[screwed over]

Ok, this is going to be the first AMS programming challenge. The challenge is going to test your abilities of making a good gui.
As you have probably guessed, the challenge is going to be to make an application with a skin or skinning capability. For this challenge a skin is defined as a replacement of the standard gui with a new uniquely recognisable one. You have to send me the link to your EXE file and i will then select what i believe to be the top 5 entrants and post them in a poll for the forum users to judge. The winner will win recognition of his skills and possibly a prize (if i can get one together), here are the rules:


The application must have a skin or be skinnable.
You can only enter YOUR programs. Entering someone elses application will get you disqualified.
Use of DLLs and plugins is allowed but ONLY those that are available for free on the forums. (i will post links to all the plugins i can find soon)
You may NOT gain help from the forum for your program, it is meant to be a test of YOUR programming skills.


ok thats it, entry opens on the 12th may and closes on the 25th june (debatable). That gives you 2 months. Enjoy.

Plugin List:

Retesets WinApi Plugin (http://indigorose.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23013&highlight=dll)
Clueless' Dynamic Masking Tool (http://indigorose.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18097&highlight=dll)
TimeSurfers ConvByte DLL (http://indigorose.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22656&highlight=dll)
RizlaUKs AutoComplete DLL (http://indigorose.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22575&highlight=dll)
Ssides entire .Net 2.0 DLL collection (http://indigorose.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23377&highlight=dll)
Worms ColorDialog Plugin (http://indigorose.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18892&highlight=dll)
Worms FontDialog Plugin (http://indigorose.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18895&highlight=dll)


Post your comments. ^.^

[TimeSurfer]

Nice bro I think this will be a good 1st challenge for everyone here at the forums.

[jackdaniels]

i think it is a good idea to challenge but still think everybody should join with different kind of apps not just internet explorer... (media player, coder, skin maker, image tools, readers and more) and someone can decide which is most useful... just an idea ;)


what do think of this one ???

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/140/adszns8.jpg

[TimeSurfer]

nice jack [you always were good wit gfx :yes]

and from what i understand there will be other challenges [which will probably cover the items you listed above] but a browser is the 1st [at least thats what im assuming lol] but you know what they say assuming makes an ass outta u an me lol

[RizlaUK]

but still think everybody should join with different kind of apps not just internet explorer...


the AMS web object has to many drawbacks to make a *real* good browser, even with the avalable dll (thanks to sside) it still lacks vital functions, and as stated in previous posts my gfx skills are limited, so count me out of this one.

and the plugin list,

* Retesets WinApi Plugin
* Clueless' Dynamic Masking Tool
* TimeSurfers ConvByte DLL
* RizlaUKs AutoComplete DLL
* Ssides entire .Net 2.0 DLL collection
* Worms ColorDialog Plugin
* Worms FontDialog Plugin

why can we only use 1 of my dll but we can use ssides entire collection, also color and font dialogs plugins have bugs on vista, i made dll's to replace both plugins but i cant use them!!............if your are going to allow 1 plugin then you must allow them all, it seems you just picked the ones you already have in mind to use

just kinda think it takes the variaty out of the challenge, these forums have seen a good few browsers, do we really need to see any more ?

[Worm]

Use of DLLs and plugins is allowed but ONLY those that are available for free on the forums. (i will post links to all the plugins i can find soon)


it'll take a long time to find all the freebies on this forum... have patience my friends

[jackdaniels]

the AMS web object has to many drawbacks to make a *real* good browser, even with the avalable dll (thanks to sside) it still lacks vital functions, and as stated in previous posts my gfx skills are limited, so count me out of this one.

and the plugin list,



why can we only use 1 of my dll but we can use ssides entire collection, also color and font dialogs plugins have bugs on vista, i made dll's to replace both plugins but i cant use them!!............if your are going to allow 1 plugin then you must allow them all, it seems you just picked the ones you already have in mind to use

just kinda think it takes the variaty out of the challenge, these forums have seen a good few browsers, do we really need to see any more ?

as i wanted to say before not many people would like to code an internet explorer... well if u dont want different kind projects Challenge, then i think it should be better to start with media player... just another idea ;)

[screwed over]

hmmm, i see what your getting at. the reason i chose a browser is beacuse it has a clear list of things to evaluate. though i could change it seeing as its only been 3 hours odd.

also:
why can we only use 1 of my dll but we can use ssides entire collection
you can use any dll or plugin on the forum. its just that ssides collection was all in one handy post.

if you would like me to change it some suggestions would be nice.


the AMS web object has to many drawbacks to make a *real* good browser, even with the avalable dll (thanks to sside) it still lacks vital functions, and as stated in previous posts my gfx skills are limited, so count me out of this one.

also there is a plugin (i cant find it atm) which greatly enhances things that can be done with the web object. (if anyone has the link it'd be appreciated)

[RizlaUK]

exactly, iv no intrest in making a web browser, not with AMS anyway, i am/was working on a firefox clone in PB but thats been on hold for ages, i think it should be up to the devloper what kind of app he/she makes, that way we will see some nice variations.

but on the other points

* The browser MUST be made from scratch, if it is discovered that it wasn't you will be disqualified.
* The browser must have a skin or be skinnable.
* The browser must have an option to change the homepage and a favourites menu.
* You can only enter YOUR programs. Entering someone elses browser will get you disqualified.
* Use of DLLs and plugins is allowed but ONLY those that are available for free on the forums. (i will post links to all the plugins i can find soon)
* You may NOT gain help from the forum for your program, it is meant to be a test of YOUR programming skills.

i agree to them all (apart from being a browser) i will settle for only free plugins/dll's but all of them and no limiatations, also that goes for freeware ActiveX aswell, as they are used with the free plugin luacom (its a test of the devlopers skills, not finances) so all freeware and public domain stuff should be allowed, and i dont see that as a unfair advantage as anything i use you could use yourself

and i'll even say, if theres anything i do need to code into a dll, i'll make the dll avalable for free download as soon as iv made it, when making apps with AMS i always use PB dll's for my dialogs/settings windows

also what about fonts, are custom/freeware fonts allowed ?

[screwed over]

ok, for some reason it wont let me edit first posts. (bloody thing) i've taken everything into acount and see what your saying. if a moderator or admin can remove the parts in my first post about it having to be a browser i'd appreciate it. oh, and about fonts. any fonts can be used. they fall under graphics to me, which has no restraints as far as i'm concerned. though i wouldnt advise any adult material.

[RizlaUK]

you can use any dll or plugin on the forum. its just that ssides collection was all in one handy post.

ah, ok, i dident see it like that, what about activex and fonts ? they all still free

i see your reason for chooseing a browser, its just something tahe dose not intrest me, i think it should be up the devloper

also there is a plugin (i cant find it atm) which greatly enhances things that can be done with the web object. (if anyone has the link it'd be appreciated)


thats one of ssides, he made one a while back, not really sure what it was for i never looked but i think it was to control IE windows from AMS, not sure tho, i'll look thruogh my sside folder and see if iv got it

[RizlaUK]

though i wouldnt advise any adult material.


lmao.....never enterd my mind

[RizlaUK]

yeah, ya can not edit post after 15 mins (i hate that rule)

lets get the challenge outline setup and make a new post, im almost happy, lol

[screwed over]

Found it!!! no, its called WebBrowserExtension. its a dll that works with the web object in ams. You should be able to find it in the link to all his dlls. if not i will ask him if i can attach it here.

[jackdaniels]

yeah, ya can not edit post after 15 mins (i hate that rule)

lets get the challenge outline setup and make a new post, im almost happy, lol

what about making a poll to show admin how many forum users want to have no time limit to be able to edit the post...

[RizlaUK]

what about making a poll to show admin how many forum users want to have no time limit to be able to edit the post...

well, the webmaster must have seen reason to enable time limits on the edit side, i dont see the point

it would help for posting apps and plugins, to be able to edit the post with each update rather than adding to the end of a 5 page thread

You should be able to find it in the link to all his dlls. if not i will ask him if i can attach it here.

im sure sside wont mind

just to be clear, is this the dll sside posted 2 weeks ago, or is the one that he posted last year ?

[reteset]

yeah, ya can not edit post after 15 mins (i hate that rule)


i agree with you :huh:huh:huh:huh
and also i can not add URL on my signature :eek:
just i want to show some free stuff from my sign but
it is not allowed :huh:huh:huh

[RizlaUK]

i have a url in my sig!!

[Vancete]

i think it is a good idea to challenge but still think everybody should join with different kind of apps not just internet explorer... (media player, coder, skin maker, image tools, readers and more) and someone can decide which is most useful... just an idea ;)


what do think of this one ???

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/140/adszns8.jpg
U can give me an example of this Now Playing?? Thanks!
Greetings! :)

[screwed over]

ok, just pmed darryl with what to change in my post. I'll also come up with a larger list of plugins with links on the forum. So have fun creating your skinned app, whatever it may be.

note that im judging on the quality of the skin(s) and how well intergrated they are into your application, file size and functionality will also affect my judgement of your entry.

[Dermot]

ok, just pmed darryl with what to change in my post. I'll also come up with a larger list of plugins with links on the forum. So have fun creating your skinned app, whatever it may be.

note that im judging on the quality of the skin(s) and how well intergrated they are into your application, file size and functionality will also affect my judgement of your entry.

Skining apps has no reflection on how good a programmer you are and should have no part in it, in my opion. I make commericail programs used by 1000's of people but I am useless a graphics. I still make my apps look good, but I don't waste time skining them. If I did I would go broke.

Also I don't agree that one person decides on which one is best. It should be decided by a vote by all contributers. Someone might make a great looking app but it is just not to your taste etc.

File size also should have no bearing on it. The file size will depend on what the app is and what it does. If you are letting people create what ever they want then file size cannot come into it. They only time it could be considered is if everyone is making the same type of app.

and I agree, please no more web browsers.

[Derek]

So to clarify ...


Challenges run every other month [or as agreed by all]
Start and closing dates are clearly stated before the challenge commences
Participants are free to submit any project type
There is no project size limit [within reason i would say]
Only free plugins and additions [fonts graphics etc] may be used and must be available to all
The winner is chosen by poll
Only participants of the challenge are eligible to vote


Any others ?

[RizlaUK]

just some minor edits, i think the whole forum should be able to vote, restricting votes to only users that take part seem a little odd, i would want everyones opinion, or at least every one that would take the time to look at all the apps and make a informed vote, plus screwed over's first points

oh, and the prize....:eek:


Challenges run every other month [or as agreed by all]
Start and closing dates are clearly stated before the challenge commences
Participants are free to submit any project type
There is no project size limit [within reason i would say]
Only free plugins and additions may be used and must be available to all, this applies to fonts, graphics,dll's, lmd's, ocx's, lua scripts or any other type of freeware or public domian addition.
The winner is chosen by poll, all users can vote
You can only enter YOUR programs. Entering someone elses application will get you disqualified.
You may NOT gain help from the forum for your program, it is meant to be a test of YOUR programming skills.
Indigo Rose Software will provide a 4 night stay for 2 in a 5 star hotel at a location of your chioce with all expenses paid for the winner of each contest. :lol

[yhb]

the AMS web object has to many drawbacks to make a *real* good browser, even with the avalable dll (thanks to sside) it still lacks vital functions, and as stated in previous posts my gfx skills are limited, so count me out of this one.
?

RizlaUK, I can do the graphics for you if you like. I have no problem doing it for you. All you need to do is to let me know what theme you up too and I can go from there.. ) Just letting you know. :)

yhb

[RizlaUK]

cool :yes, as soon as i got a plan i'll send you a pm with some app details, not sure what im going to make yet, need some inspration

[yhb]

cool :yes, as soon as i got a plan i'll send you a pm with some app details, not sure what im going to make yet, need some inspration

Kewl...just let me know and you'll get it right away. Atleast something I can contribute to you guys for being so helpfull to everyone.. :)


yhb

[ShadowUK]

U can give me an example of this Now Playing?? Thanks!
Greetings! :)

That's just a graphic, I think. Because we don't have album art in AMS yet.

[rexzooly]

Dose yhe software havee to use fully changeble skins or can it us built in skins?
as i have a project i am thinking to submite for this.:yes

[screwed over]

Also I don't agree that one person decides on which one is best. It should be decided by a vote by all contributers. Someone might make a great looking app but it is just not to your taste etc.

the poll will be for everyone on the forum. though i will look through the submitted to find those that best fit the criteria not those that are to my personal preference. I may ask for second opinions, probably from respected members of the community that havent decided to enter.


Skining apps has no reflection on how good a programmer you are and should have no part in it, in my opion. I make commericail programs used by 1000's of people but I am useless a graphics. I still make my apps look good, but I don't waste time skining them. If I did I would go broke.

youd be surprised. I make all my apps skinned (i do it as a hobby though) and it requires more programming than you'd think. especially for a full window skin and the ability to use numerous skins. I did have one skinned app with over 200 lines just on skinning functions (lost it when i had to reformat my HDD though T.T). Plus it will also be judged on how the skin suites and interacts with your application. Dynamic skins gain bonus points.


Challenges run every other month [or as agreed by all]
Start and closing dates are clearly stated before the challenge commences
Participants are free to submit any project type
There is no project size limit [within reason i would say]
Only free plugins and additions may be used and must be available to all, this applies to fonts, graphics,dll's, lmd's, ocx's, lua scripts or any other type of freeware or public domian addition.
The winner is chosen by poll, all users can vote
You can only enter YOUR programs. Entering someone elses application will get you disqualified.
You may NOT gain help from the forum for your program, it is meant to be a test of YOUR programming
skills.

yup exactly! though challenge time may change for larger projects.

File size also should have no bearing on it. The file size will depend on what the app is and what it does. If you are letting people create what ever they want then file size cannot come into it. They only time it could be considered is if everyone is making the same type of app.
I said MAY. and it will be relative to your project. if you make a simple media player thats over 100mb in size i'll think where has all the space gone?

RizlaUK, I can do the graphics for you if you like. I have no problem doing it for you. All you need to do is to let me know what theme you up too and I can go from there.. )
this has brought to my attention something else. you may work in teams, but only of 3 or less persons, as so that a wide variety of things can be covered without causing massive advantages from teams of 15 developers (though thats not likeley for a casual challenge such as this one).


Also i will probably come up with several ideas and start a poll to be voted as the new challenge.

[RizlaUK]

]this has brought to my attention something else. you may work in teams, but only of 3 or less persons, as so that a wide variety of things can be covered without causing massive advantages from teams of 15 developers (though thats not likeley for a casual challenge such as this one).

good point....guess iv got 2 of my 3 then, lol

rest assured, any code in my project will come from my own brain, having someone to do my GFX will just bring me up to par with you lot ;)

Let The Battle Comence...lmao


btw...

Because we don't have album art in AMS yet

yes we do....i'll tell you how after the challenge...:eek:

[ShadowUK]

I meant without Luacom and external ocx's..

[reteset]

i have a url in my sig!!

i have also :yes :yes
but this feature is no longer available
have you tried to edit your links or add new one

6372


6373

[rexzooly]

my Question was not replyed to do i have to support exanel skin changers or can it just be built in option where there is limited skin changing

[clueless]

Wasnt there a free dll posted here at AMS that could return the source code from a given webpage address?

[screwed over]

my Question was not replyed to do i have to support exanel skin changers or can it just be built in option where there is limited skin changing

it could be either.

[rexzooly]

it could be either.

busy with WinTexOS but if i can find out the files i will add my media player.

[Worm]

@Clueless

http://www.indigorose.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10772

[clueless]

Thats the one, one of the most usfull dll's ever ;) I made many 'security apps' with this last year .lol

[Intrigued]

Wasnt there a free dll posted here at AMS that could return the source code from a given webpage address?

http://www.indigorose.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18802&highlight=luacom+source+code

[TimeSurfer]

lol after a week of talk im still confused lol. has everything been decided? is it still going to be a browser? or just any skinned/skinnable app?

[RizlaUK]

yup, post 29 rounds things up

http://www.indigorose.com/forums/showpost.php?p=120103&postcount=29

but to be clear, this was the outcome

* Challenges run every other month [or as agreed by all]
* Start and closing dates are clearly stated before the challenge commences
* Participants are free to submit any project type
* There is no project size limit [within reason i would say]
* Only free plugins and additions may be used and must be available to all, this applies to fonts, graphics,dll's, lmd's, ocx's, lua scripts or any other type of freeware or public domian addition.
* The winner is chosen by poll, all users can vote
* You can only enter YOUR programs. Entering someone elses application will get you disqualified.
* You may NOT gain help from the forum for your program, it is meant to be a test of YOUR programming
skills.

you may work in teams, but only of 3 or less persons, as so that a wide variety of things can be covered without causing massive advantages from teams of 15 developers (though thats not likeley for a casual challenge such as this one).

[TimeSurfer]

Ok, so its official this contest starts in 9 day's. And far as teams go..I wouldn't mind I'm horrid with gfx.

[clueless]

I dont mind helping a few people out with GFX. Im a much better GFX artist than i am a programmer.lol I still might have ago at making a browser anyway.

[clueless]

So its now an open competition? submit any program?

In what form is the entry to be submitted .exe/.apz
Will the code be on general display?
What form will the winning entry be available for download?

[screwed over]

So its now an open competition? submit any program?

yup

In what form is the entry to be submitted .exe/.apz
Will the code be on general display?
What form will the winning entry be available for download?
it can be either depending on which youd prefer to submit.

[junkas]

just a little idea of mine

http://wocares.com/host/images/799288_omfglol.png

I don't plan on working with it though.

[screwed over]

*bump* just incase anyone forgot or missed it ^.^

[TimeSurfer]

reminds me of the grocery store =p