ZIP Support (so I can finally retire "PowerDersk Pro")

[LittleBiG]

So I'd suggest adding the easiest to code and basic/core functions for ZIP (and RAR, if possible)

True. One more likely will try XY if they can see these two among the features. No matter how basic the functions would be.

We have adjusted to the way it works now and not to say we'd not use it if added but maybe just less of a priority to us than to the target audience that, based on forum posts in other threads, desires it much more

And true again. If it was at hand I definately would use it.

Personally the third would be the most appreciated, the list of files in the archive.

EDIT: Paste as ZIP. Good idea.

[TheQwerty]

The most useful thing for me related to ZIP is the one that blows the can of worms open I fear.

The ability to create or extract is of a lesser importance to me than the ability to view the contents, so for me a custom previewer, like the one for Fonts, which allowed previewing the contents of any compatible archive would be the top request.

But once the user can see it, they'll want to touch it.
And if it can handle one type of archive, they'll want it to handle all types of archives.

It very quickly gains the need for more ambition and a feeling of go big or go home.

[admin]

The most useful thing for me related to ZIP is the one that blows the can of worms open I fear.

The ability to create or extract is of a lesser importance to me than the ability to view the contents, so for me a custom previewer, like the one for Fonts, which allowed previewing the contents of any compatible archive would be the top request.

But once the user can see it, they'll want to touch it.
And if it can handle one type of archive, they'll want it to handle all types of archives.

It very quickly gains the need for more ambition and a feeling of go big or go home.

Exactly why I hesitate. (However, currently I'm slightly thrilled by the "Paste as Zip" idea.)

If you just want to view the contents, I can also offer RAR and some other formats. But extraction (if you want that) would work only for ZIP. (sigh)

[LittleBiG]

If you just want to view the contents, I can also offer RAR and some other formats. But extraction (if you want that) would work only for ZIP. (sigh)

It would be good for me. And an archivereport command for scripting.

[Filehero]

Some workaround regarding 64bit-Shell issues, Live Filter for List, Clickable Droppable Per Pane Breadcrumb, Native support for ZIP and RAR, Support for Non-Drive Devices.

I'm only an occasional ZIP user so lack of built-in XY support doesn't really bother me -but- all of the items Borut mentioned (except Live Filter) seem to be quite frequently the cause for new threads here by new/potential users so while adding these may not have a noticeable effect on sales increase, you also never know how many sales you may not have gotten by lack of some/all of these that other products have.

We've all answered many times questions from newbies (and sometimes trolls ) about these so having these would also help keep this forum cleaner -- not a financial benefit but helps with clutter.

So I'd suggest adding the easiest to code and basic/core functions for ZIP (and RAR, if possible) first and see what effect on complaints/wishes you get here is from that...before you go hog-wild on it...and as you said, having that in XY would help when XY is used in portable situation.

I realize that there are unique functions that XY may get that would be more fun to program but sometimes the boring stuff is needed as well..

@Borut & j_c, I couldn't agree more. Good and sensible thoughts.


Cheers,
Filehero

[Borut]

If you just want to view the contents, I can also offer RAR and some other formats. But extraction (if you want that) would work only for ZIP. (sigh)

Actually, I can imagine that the "table of contents" would be the most important feature for me here. A bit earlier you wrote

... since long I have plans worked out for a maximally streamlined ZIP-support including search, preview, everything ...

which prompted me to think: Äh? One does not run straight to the mountain peak, because either he/she will die, or never actually dare to try. An integrated search, preview and the likes (implying decompression behind the scenes) is, IMHO, way too much. Better make a base camp and observe the weather from there. And a very good base camp, IMHO, would be the support of table of contents for a plethora of compression formats. (I would make it look completely like a file list from the beginning, but openly advertise that no usual functions on the objects shown are supported.)

[Filehero]

If you just want to view the contents, I can also offer RAR and some other formats. But extraction (if you want that) would work only for ZIP. (sigh)

Haven't followed the last posts in detail, hence: this would "just" be the core support for compression to be offered "quickly", any time later followed by the owerwhelming feature gallore you're known for (no pressure intended)?

Paste as Zip? If combined with the incremental affixes this sounds like a very handy option.


Cheers,
Filehero

[Marco]

I can't quote Borut enough.

[admin]

If you just want to view the contents, I can also offer RAR and some other formats. But extraction (if you want that) would work only for ZIP. (sigh)

Actually, I can imagine that the "table of contents" would be the most important feature for me here. A bit earlier you wrote

... since long I have plans worked out for a maximally streamlined ZIP-support including search, preview, everything ...

which prompted me to think: Äh? One does not run straight to the mountain peak, because either he/she will die, or never actually dare to try. An integrated search, preview and the likes (implying decompression behind the scenes) is, IMHO, way too much. Better make a base camp and observe the weather from there. And a very good base camp, IMHO, would be the support of table of contents for a plethora of compression formats. (I would make it look completely like a file list from the beginning, but openly advertise that no usual functions on the objects shown are supported.)

There is a problem with this approach: The Zip then needs to be shown in the tree as if it would be a folder. This has so many implications that my streamlined rush to the peak suddenly looks like merely consequential. Therefore I'd rather keep the Zip in the list and show the contents either in the preview tab, or in the floating preview.

[Borut]

Paste as Zip? If combined with the incremental affixes this sounds like a very handy option.

No, he ment - I am quite sure - just simply creating a new zip file with those currently selected (or in clipboard, or whatever) zipped in.

Let's leave those worms sleeping for now!

[j_c_hallgren]

1. Extract Here / Extract To...
2. Archive Selected Items as ZIP
3. List the contents of a ZIP...
4. ... and extract particular items (via right-click menu, or by drag and drop).

With the addition of Paste as Zip (if i understand it correctly) , I think that covers the core/basic functions one might do:
1) Take everything out of Zip
2) Make new Zip and put everything selected in
3) See what's in the Zip
4) Take some items out of Zip
5) Put some new items into existing zip

And being able to preview a file w/o "officially extracting" it would be nice but that isn't as crucial to me as I can tell by file name in most cases what the contents are.

The first and most important of those would seem to be #3 (list contents).

[admin]

Paste as Zip? If combined with the incremental affixes this sounds like a very handy option.

No, he ment - I am quite sure - just simply creating a new zip file with those currently selected (or in clipboard, or whatever) zipped in.

Let's leave those worms sleeping for now!

I understood Filehero means incremental affixes at the target ZIP: yes, that would be supported of course. A nice way for quick compressed in situ backups. The only additional step compared to normal paste: you will have to be prompted for a name of the zip (might default to the name of the first file?).

[Borut]

Therefore I'd rather keep the Zip in the list and show the contents either in the preview tab, or in the floating preview.

I see and it would be quite OK with me. Maybe both listing places as alternatives - I would find an automatically popping floating preview quite interesting, since it could be positioned on the second screen.

[TheQwerty]

Therefore I'd rather keep the Zip in the list and show the contents either in the preview tab, or in the floating preview.

I see and it would be quite OK with me. Maybe both listing places as alternatives - I would find an automatically popping floating preview quite interesting, since it could be positioned on the second screen.

Leaving it as a custom preview also has the advantage that we are accustomed to previews being read-only, so it provides a clear sign that this is not (yet) about creating/adding/extracting.

[admin]

1. Extract Here / Extract To...
2. Archive Selected Items as ZIP
3. List the contents of a ZIP...
4. ... and extract particular items (via right-click menu, or by drag and drop).

With the addition of Paste as Zip (if i understand it correctly) , I think that covers the core/basic functions one might do:
1) Take everything out of Zip
2) Make new Zip and put everything selected in
3) See what's in the Zip
4) Take some items out of Zip
5) Put some new items into existing zip

And being able to preview a file w/o "officially extracting" it would be nice but that isn't as crucial to me as I can tell by file name in most cases what the contents are.

The first and most important of those would seem to be #3 (list contents).

Yes, where #3 is the hardest, not from coding -- this is all totally trivial -- but from UI and interaction design.