MakeLogic FileMenu

A java component for the IDEs and MDI applications.

In an attempt to reduce “re-inventing the wheel” philosophy, MakeLogic releases the first version of its FileMenu component.

MakeLogic has been concentrating on developing the software components that are re-used by many developers. It is very well known that there is no point in writing the same piece of code again and again by various developers. It only increases the cost of development and loses the focus on the main application in development. It is always suggested that the software be developed by experts in that area. Experts may not eliminate all the bugs but can very well create software that is more reliable and robust than others.

“FileMenu was our next milestone” notes R.Venkatesh, the lead developer of the software. MakeLogic has been working on components that are building blocks for developing an IDE (Integrated Development Environment ). Earlier, the company released a WindowMenu component, which was approved by Sun Microsystems and was published in the Java Solutions Marketplace. “ We want our components to ease the IDE developer’s troubles ” comments Madanu, the CEO and architect of the java components and other software at MakeLogic. “Our vision is to develop the components and building tools for a good quality editor. Be it text editor or a software applications editor ” says Madanu. It is true that not many java components are available today for the IDE developers. Moreover they are not all available from one place, which makes licensing a difficult process. MakeLogic wants to cater to the needs of this market segment by providing all the related tools and components for developing high end application editors like Visual Studio or JBuilder.

Quick and Easy

Developing editors was never so easy. FileMenu, WindowMenu and other components of MakeLogic make it easier than solving a jigsaw. Editors can be developed very quickly using these components. Just place them together and color them to suite the theme of the application in focus. The API is very carefully designed to be a complete black box for the user. User needs to add just two lines of code to get the complete FileMenu component with its default behavior. A host of sample programs at http://www.makelogic.com/FileMenu/FMSamples.htm show how to use FileMenu in various conditions.

Totally customizable GUI

It is very important for a GUI component to adjust to the container that it is plugged into. MakeLogic takes complete care that all its components fit in very well into the look and feel of the container application. MakeLogic components never try to stand out in the looks. They certainly will want to stand out as far as the functionality is concerned. Developer is at full control to mix and match the look and feel of the FileMenu

Customize the events

MakeLogic components provide the default functionality based on the most popular and regularly used methodologies. For example, when selecting the File|Open menu item, a File Chooser dialog is shown, prompting the user to select a file.

At the same time, user is given the freedom to override the default functionality that the component offers. It further lets the user to add event listeners to the component, that suit user requirements.

Bottom Line

Overall, the java components provided by the MakeLogic try to address the most common needs of any java application developer. At the same time they do not force the developer to accept the functionality. They are flexible enough to be overridden and modified to suit the user requirements.