File requesters need overhauling

[djrikki]

So much to say about the current state of file requesters.

1. Add a toolbar with all the options that are currently hiding away in the menus.

2. Remove the right-click devices to a sidebar with icons representative of the device type.

3. Hide the system assignments, by this I mean S:, C:, Libs: etc... If someone wants to make these temporarily available provide an icon in the toolbar for it.

4. Add new functions in requested toolbar e.g. Connect to server, Show item in Drawer etc

5. Opportunity to an enter a Url in the path/file, downloads to T: or somewhere and then opens from there.

6. View as preview icons, columns and details etc...

Add your ideas here.

[chris]

5. Opportunity to an enter a Url in the path/file, downloads to T: or somewhere and then opens from there.

http://www.unsatisfactorysoftware.co.uk ... ?file=http

Doesn't always work because a lot of programs like to lock files, but there's no reason for this to be built into the file requester. I'd say the same for "connect network drive" - it needs to be a WB/OS function first and foremost, and if it adds convenience to put it in ASL then that should be done after it's available from WB.

[dan.hutch]

The current drag and drop functionality of ASL requesters is pretty nice. Drag and drop support for multiple files would be a nice addition, as would the names of all files selected being listed in the 'File' box rather than just the last selected.

I quite like the simplicity of the exisiting ones. For me a toolbar wouldn't be much use given how infrequently I use the few menu options. I think previews would definately slow things down on many systems if Filer is anything to go by and be of little use.

For me the assigns are useful to have as they are below the list of 'real' drives. I have several assigns setup which I use as shortcuts to particularly drawers.

[Hypex]

For me I would like all volumes, devices and assigns appear in a listview next to the file listing. System assigns seperated out. Being able ti swith between device lists with right mouse woukd be acceptable as an example. I also think a history list would be good, say the last ten files selcted and their paths.

[lazi]

So much to say about the current state of file requesters.
2. Remove the right-click devices to a sidebar with icons representative of the device type.

Must be optional for me. The current design allows me a simple, clean and small file selector.

[djrikki]

Problem is they are too basic, stuck in the 1990s, even the default colours are just wrong on that light grey background colour.

[Amigo1]

I add a request for an enhancement of the ASL-Preferences:

I think it would be really handy to have a setting which says something along the lines of "Size relative to screen size" and the sliders below to change the percentage of that very size..

[djrikki]

Also the grey background is a very tired idea. Trying to read any of the three primary colours on it just cope it anymore. What we need to see is a concerted effort to liven these up. White background, black text, AISS icons used to indicate drawers and all deficon recognized filetypes.

Basically anything along the lines of Filer, but with appropriate buttons underneath like Open, Save, Save As, Cancel etc...

[Amigo1]

Also the grey background is a very tired idea. Trying to read any of the three primary colours on it just cope it anymore. What we need to see is a concerted effort to liven these up. White background, black text, AISS icons used to indicate drawers and all deficon recognized filetypes.

Basically anything along the lines of Filer, but with appropriate buttons underneath like Open, Save, Save As, Cancel etc...

You can change the background color to a certain extent.
Go to SYS:Prefs/ASL and to the "File Req./Appearance"-Tab, there you can set "Row Stripes" and some font settings.

oh and btw, since when is there an option to set the Button actions? I had not noticed it before and it was kind of annoying having the requester showing all Volumes when pressing the 3rd-button. I'm using the 3rd button to bring the windows to front in "ClickToFront" since aeons and now it's working to my complete satisfaction!!

This is really great! THANKS Hyperion!!!! )

[Amigo1]

What follows are two small enhancement to the ASL requesters. The second one being pretty important IMHO because it can cause data loss.

1) Since it is possible to create a new drawer from within an ASL requester, I think it's better to have both entries named consistently, the menu entry in the Workbench says "New Drawer" and the ASL says "Create new Drawer"

2) Both actions should also have the same options, namely the possibility to checkmark the "icon" option.
As it is now, a new drawer created from an ASL requester creates an icon too without asking, even if there happens to be a .icon already present, causing it to be overwritten and causing data-loss.

thanks for reading