My idea for a new computing revolution

[petbo2]

Hey guys,

I have been working on a piece of software for a while now. In effect it is a way of programming for not particularly geeky people. Think drag-and-drop GUI etc. with simple but numerous commands supported. Originally it was meant to be a copy of "Automator" (see Apple.com website in Mac OS X section), but I feel it has the potential to go a bit further, as a transparent programming system.

What I mean by this is that the program is "compiled" into an understandable simple-text "program", and can be "run" (through an interpreter) on any computer - however the user can choose what functions are available (i.e ban the program from deleteing files) to enable people to "trust" programs - particularly installers - off the web.

I havent really explained this very well, but if there is any interest in this idea I will explain further.

Pete

PS - it will be open-source free-for-all etc, so those who want incomplete source code now, PM me!

 

[Denaes]

You want to check out this (and similar) sites: http://www.autohotkey.com

This is an awesome scripting language written in C(C++?) and basically lets laymen program tasks in windows through the use of plain english (well plainer) exposed functions that provide advanced functionality.

It also lets you create forms as well. I love this language for simple office stuff like opening applications, sending keys to applications... takes like 3 lines vs 3 pages of .Net code.

If you can do this so that it can run on multiple platforms, thatll be coller than this macro application

 

[petbo2]

My "language" will be far simpler to create (just drag-and-drop "segments") yet have a big "library" of differnt functions - currently ranging from arithmetic to opening files. The plan is that other developers will create their own interpreters on their OS of choice, but follow a set guideline to ensure compatability.

See the screenshot for current progress:

[Broken External Image]:http://www.petbo.com/screenshot.png

Currently you can run "programs", save projects, and open them again. To add segments (the tacky grey boxes on the right) you drag your function from the treeview on the left. So really easy to use!

[Broken External Image]:http://www.petbo.com/screenshot2.png

 

[kurf]

Innovative; I like it! Thanks for sharing.

 

[realolman]

I think you are absolutely on the right track.

( See thread "Am I on Candid Camera? about to flip out", post 31)

Computers have capabilities provided by nothing else, but are unavailable in many respects for the "commoners" because of the difficulty (and expense ) in getting them to do what you want them to do.

I dont think it needs to be so difficult.

 

[thenerd]

One major thing that you shouldnt forget to add: If-then

 

[ThePentiumGuy]

Looks kind of useful

 

[zerotoleranc]

Great concept, looks like something even people with limited computer knowledge could understand.