Re: Is Swixml a rich (or smart) client?

I will answer by giving you more to read....

http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/a/mac/2004/03/23/panic.html

That article covers how Panic creates software with
the interface as a priority equal to the backend which
make the software work.  Too often a software
developer will also create the UI and fail to create a
very usable interface.  Panic develops software for
MacOS X so it can use the Apple Interface Builder to
create really nice interfaces.  The SwixML project
essentially is providing the same thing for
Java/Swing.

By separating the interface into a separate resource
(XML in this case) it is possible allow a interface
designer to build the interface and tweak it over time
while the software developer works on the
functionality.  With web pages you typically have
graphic artists create really attractive designs and
then a programmer fills in the functionality.

With an engine like SwixML it will be possible to use
a graphical editor like Theodore to edit the interface
files.

http://www.carlsbadcubes.com/theodore/index.html

Wolf Paulus is also working on the Franklin editor
which will be used for the SwixML format.  I believe
he intends to make them into plugins to be used within
Eclipse and/or IDEA.  When that comes out it will be
possible to allow an interface designer to produce
great interfaces and free up the software developer's
time to focus on the backend implementations.

It should result in better quality software with
highly usable interfaces.

- Brennan



	
		
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