CompuServe Thread

I couldn't wait any longer for the Scheme update so I started using the "bug infested" version of 1.7 that I have. After using it seriously for the first time I'd like to give you my comments. I only ran into the bug that you described once, I ended up with a wire that was not connected to a node and couldn't be deleted. As for the "save as object" function I knew this would cause a crash so avoided it. Here are a "few" suggestions for possible improvements to Scheme. 1) The documentation needs improvement. For instance, in the manual it describes moving an object by dragging and releasing it-yet says nothing about having to hit the "move" box in the palette window. Another feature, and a very useful one for straightening bent wires, being able to use the cursor keys to move a selected object, isn't mentioned. 2) There should be some type of logic system for wires that would a) Never let one wire run atop another, b) Never let a wire run across a node it's not connected to, c) make wires run parallel to one another for the greatest possible time and d) never let wires needlessly cross one another. 3) The operator should be able to manually run wires. 4) When copying an object the copied object should automatically deselect. The copy should select. Multiple copies should be allowed (drag one, then another then another-then hit the copy box and end up with 3 copies-this would really save time.) 5) There should be no modification to an off screen object without a requestor Ok'ing it. This would prevent an accidentally selected object from being manipulated, then noticed later on when the "undo" function wouldn't work. 6) A "run between looms" feature would be nice. Instead of running 4 wires between looms individually, clicking on both looms, then a "multi-run" box in the palette that would connect all the nodes between looms with as many wires as needed. (continued) 7) Screen redrawing is a pain with large drawings. Anything that could be done to reduce the number of redraws would be a reliefespecially if the redraw when switching from "object" to "text" mode. 8) Another thing I'd like to see would be an "infinite zoom" feature. Something similar to that which mCAD uses would be great. 9) More zoom stuff-All the Amiga "number" keys should be implemented. Example-(Amiga 4) for a 4 time zoom, (Amiga 6) for a 6 time zoom, etc. I have nothing against the mouse it's just that the keyboard is so much faster. 10) Speaking of the keyboard I think more mouse and palette operations should also have keyboard commands. How about "Delete" for "erase", F1 for "unmark all", F2 for "copy", F3 for, well you get the idea. It could _really_ speed up operation. 11) How about being able to erase an object that has wires attached to it (and having the wires erase also). This would save the frustration of having to erase a half dozen wires or so (13 sperate mouse operations) and the deleting the %$#^ thing. 12) Another nice thing would be having the option of turning off the hi-res mode. 13) How about a timed backup feature? Automatically create a backup file with a different name (from the original) every 10 minutes or so. That way if you really get into it and there's a catastrophe, you're never more than 10 minutes away. All in all Scheme 1.7 is pretty good. As you can see most of my suggestions have to do with A) saving time and B) eliminating surprises. Currently I can still probably hand draw faster than Scheme, with a couple of these improvements there would be no contest. Keep up the good work! Barry P.S. Did you ever get that E-plex message I sent you? I'll re-upload it if you didn't.