[Fwd: [unrev-II] Meta Information for Open Source Software]

From: John J. Deneen (jjdeneen@ricochet.net)
Date: Wed Sep 20 2000 - 23:24:32 PDT


Interesting links about:

(1) Design Goals
http://www.cfcl.com/twiki/bin/view/Meta/DesignGoals

(2) "Browser Notions" with "Zooming", "Outline Processing", and
"Fisheye" views.
http://cfcl.com/twiki/bin/view/Meta/BrowserNotions

Browser Notions
A well-developed Meta system would provide a very information-rich and
multifaceted environment. Commands would be linked to their
documentation, source code, frequently-accessed files, and more. Within
the source code, variables and functions would be linked to their
definitions, other uses, etc.

Building a browser that can take advantage of this may be a challenging
(if delightful) task. Here are some ideas that have come to my
attention.

Zooming Browsers ...

Outline Processing
Apple's Mac OS Finder provides a "View as List" option. "Turny
triangles" allow directories to be expanded, providing a functionality
something like an outline processor. This allows a single window to
display multiple "regions of interest" in a file tree.

I have experimented with this feature, moving it to the context of
source code files. The triangles disclose blocks of code (e.g.,
brace-enclosed sections in a C program). In brief trials, it seems quite
natural and pleasant to use."

(3) Hypermedia Structures and Systems
"In order to view a hyperdocument somewhat like a book, a hierarchical
structure (like chapters, sections, subsections, etc.) must be found.
This problem consists of two parts: first the root must be identified
and then hierarchical and cross-reference links must be distinguished."
http://wwwis.win.tue.nl/2L690
http://wwwis.win.tue.nl/2L670/static/hierarchies.html
http://wwwis.win.tue.nl/2L670/static/navig-aids.html


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I pass along a recent message from Rich Morin <rdm@cfcl.com>
Subject: http://cfcl.com/twiki/bin/view/Meta/DataFlow

I'm working on a description of the Meta Data Flow (at least, up to
the point where the "Supported Software" takes over :-). The URL
above is an ASCII data flow diagram. Several of the processing
stages have descriptive pages already, I'll fill in the rest as I
get the time. Comments and suggestions, as always, ...

And of course TWiki itself is interesting in similar ways.

Dick

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