Add configuration editing like Firefox's 3.6x about:config

[Jerry]

This discussion, triggered by zer0's unhappiness with adding yet another option to an already large dialog, has been very messy, particularly with regard to tweaks. I won't rehash that discussion either, but in the end the developer has to be persuaded that there is a problem to begin with.

I agree completely.

All feedback has been somewhat theoretical as well as generic in the sense that all powerful software grow options and with XYplorer's development pace, at an alarming rate.

Well, not all feedback has been theoretical and generic. My contributions are always intended to be pragmatic and to address the problem as efficiently and minimally as I would do myself, based on 25 years of experience and in recognition of where Don is coming from as the developer. For example, I can only see this configuration issue, if recognized as a problem, as the kind of thing that should be properly addressed once, in a way that will scale long into the future. Otherwise, don't waste time on it.

How to deal with this, has seen relatively little consensus.

Yes, that has been a great dilemma, again largely I think, because of our differing perspectives and motivations. We would all do ourselves and fellow forum readers, now and in the future, a great favor if we could first get consensus and formally assert what specific objectives, guidelines, invariants, etc motivate XYplorer development and why -- a sort of real time, working manifesto to the Roadmap. I won't say "should motivate" -- I'm just suggesting we all be clear on exactly what those things are at the present time, as Don sees them. And where he is uncertain, we can possibly help illuminate.

I hope we can agree that shipping is a feature, and thus pragmatism is called for.

Well, yes, though I wouldn't quite term it a feature, it is more of an invariant that necessarily guides and constrains everything else. But that same invariant also means that decisions on certain core elements have to be made wisely, with other principles in mind, so that deliverability in the future will not be negatively impacted by the features and cut corners implemented today.

Since your proposal includes searching as well, I take it you don't object to adding that to the existing functionality, but would like a different approach in addition to and underlying the current settings infrastructure.

Searching is important, yes. But a solution that does not address the entire property space is just going to be revisited again and again, I fear. That is my main point.

Don doesn't see more than marginal return on that, especially when compared to the functionality he still plans to add.

And frankly, I think he's right. Despite my participation on the issue thus far, configuration really isn't a major concern for me, relative to other things. I am more interested in how this kind of issue is addressed, then the issue itself.

On a personal note, it's always a pity to see new users raving about XYplorer and its developer, only for them to discover that both have limits, and then sometimes slide towards ranting. This is still the same software you tried and liked enough to buy, with the same amazing developer at the helm. It's just that nothing and no one is unlimited or, well, perfect.

Indeed, it is easy to get too caught up precisely because there is this great open channel to the product and its creator. And because sometimes, we have way too much time on our hands. ;-)

[nas8e9]

@Jerry: Thank you for your considered response and for emphasising the nature of your interest in this discussion.

This is a somewhat unusual outfit (single developer who prefers to outsource nothing; a, by now, busy forum with more and different regulars than in the past) which brings some challenges to current regular forum members (I'm not one of the pioneers, BTW). On the one hand, Don values the input of *users* and knows well that these short lines of communication and the results they (generally) make possible, is a great asset. OTOH: too many cooks, one captain per ship, etc.

Specifically with regard to your input and your interest in structure and guidance in more than one sense, I think you may be expecting a bit too much. Don, again, generally wants *users* rather than fellow developers from a distance, regardless of their competence. As for me describing the feedback as theoretical, you're right that yours was very specific (and, FWIW, likeable to me). The theoretical aspects to me, were to do with a problem being assumed, or expected in the future, rather than being reported by users in the forum at the moment. That doesn't mean that expectation may be false, but it does feel to me be concerning ourselves with the black box when there's no pressing need, and with regard to your proposal for the structuring of options, to work at a level at which only the developer should work.

What makes it difficult is that the developer, as you correctly noted, seems much more "inclusive" than other developers towards users to the extent that individual users feel they are driving development (without actually doing the developing, of course...). It's a beautiful illusion, but...

[Jerry]

nas8e9 - I hear you. On this configuration issue, I admittedly veered a bit much into developer territory. My most pressing issues with XYplorer will always be the ones that concern me foremost as a user. Don't always get what I want there, either, and have to often temper my strongly held convictions against the reality that this is always Don's show, at the end of the day. But it's a show worth attending.

[admin]

Thanks for the discussion, good reading. I feel described (esp. by nas8e9) better than I could have done myself.