2nd pane, anyone?

[lukescammell]

Ah ok, this is probably not related to the speed issues I just mentioned

[msjunk]

I want to again raise the suggestion of adding a 2nd list pane to XY, and see how others feel. I've emailed Donald privately, and he indicated that he'd like to hear other people's responses to the idea.

One way this could be implemented is to make it a switch-off-and-on feature like the info panel at the bottom -- and perhaps replacing the info panel. It could display a reduced amount of info. I would probably use it mainly when I want to copy or move files and gain an additional level of validation/verification for the copy or move function.

Conceivably, I would switch on the 2nd mini-pane, mark it as "Destination." Then press Ctrl+F7, and the first option would be to copy or move to "Destination Pane." Something like that. When I was done, I'd switch it off and go back to the single pane for most other work.

Any thoughts on this idea?

Yes I would agree. Similar competing applications provide this feature for tabbed windows where you can choose to display the tabs side by side. It would integrate the "Norton Commander" like functionality and add immensely to the applications appeal and usability.

[Creat]

boy did you dig up an ald thread

[j_c_hallgren]

boy did you dig up an ald thread

Yes, someone did...but I definitely prefer that as it shows poster did some research first! Unlike those who have not even looked back to prior week to find a major thread on same subject/topic...
And it thus allows us to refresh our minds with the prior thoughts we'd had...

[axfleming]

Coming from Powerdesk Pro, a dual-pane manager, I was a little annoyed at the fact that XYplorer had only one, and even a little more annoyed when the developer long ago stated XYplorer was a single pane-manager, case closed.

I have come to understand the wisdom of the developer's decision.

While it may be possible to implement a second pane without a performance penalty, the real issue is about focus.

There are some situations in which a dual-pane is more efficient; in that case I use Total Commander, otherwise I use XYplorer.

Why must everything "evolve" into a Swiss Army knife?


Xyplorer is a single-pane manager, and a damn fine one at that.

[axfleming]

One other thing, if the developer does implement dual panes, you can bet that as soon as he does so, this Wish List forum will see more and more wishes for some enhancement to the dual-pane feature.

It is a slippery slope, gentlemen.

[admin]

One other thing, if the developer does implement dual panes, you can bet that as soon as he does so, this Wish List forum will see more and more wishes for some enhancement to the dual-pane feature.

It is a slippery slope, gentlemen.

Man, you talk my mind! (Is that English?)

[admin]

Why must everything "evolve" into a Swiss Army knife?

Very interesting question! And I think the answer goes way back to stone age life conditions. Greed is a survival technique... and so on... ... back to coding!

[panorama]

Man, you talk my mind! (Is that English?)

I like it, I understand it, but I think we might instead say something like: "you took the words right out of my mouth"...

[axfleming]

Why must everything "evolve" into a Swiss Army knife?

Very interesting question! And I think the answer goes way back to stone age life conditions. Greed is a survival technique... and so on... ... back to coding!

Another problem is that the people who make feature requests are generally the ones who are most familiar with the program.

Unfortunately, there is nothing more daunting to a new user than seeing an options screen with several panes, each containing dozens of controls.

If it is difficult for new users to find the option they want, it will be difficult for them to explore all the features available, and if they give up too soon, there is the risk that they won't be able to clearly see the advantages of your product over another.

[lukescammell]

Dual pane has its place. When it is implemented in XY, I see no reason for it to default to an OFF state and perhaps have a nice quick key to toggle it on and off This way XY can retain its focus while still having the option.

[axfleming]

Dual pane has its place. When it is implemented in XY, I see no reason for it to default to an OFF state and perhaps have a nice quick key to toggle it on and off This way XY can retain its focus while still having the option.

Well, you know how the saying goes:
"You can't please all the people all the time...."

[axfleming]

@lukescammell

Hello friend, just wanted to make it clear that what I meant in my reply was that no matter what the developer does someone is not going to be pleased.

I generally follow the rule that if I can't please everyone, I might as well please myself.

XYplorer is as much a work of art as any piece in an art store or museum, and ultimately, the artist must remain true to their own vision and voice.

[badams007]

i gotcha first time, Ax. i think Don will not try to put pleasing us (or a few of us??) in front of his artistry wants. but until he hollers, i think he's made this the Beta Club so that folks can chat it up about what makes sense to them. HE's THE DECIDER. hehe... oh god, george bush

DON... will u please make it clear when u want us to drop a subject and give u some peace (like say: when u have completely made your mind up to stop talking about some want?) i know i (and others) don't want to beat a dead horse or make you feel that you have to code in stuff you don't want to. i know u like to make folks happy usually (you are SO NICE TO US!!!!!), but i think you know when to put foot down, too and know that we will still love XY and think lots of you. Hugs all

[j_c_hallgren]

DON... will u please make it clear when u want us to drop a subject and give u some peace (like say: when u have completely made your mind up to stop talking about some want?)

Brenda, I think there has been (and will be) times when Don has eventually changed his mind after a loooooooooong time...sometimes due to changes in conditions...or seeing the need to not lose sales for lack of a feature that other vendors have...
So while we may give things a rest for a bit and let it percolate back up later, there are some items that just need a better positive arguement than we can muster originally...and dual pane is something that may have fit this criteria...