It may be behind schedule - but it’s finally here, the first alpha (v0.0.1000). I’ve been working hard over the weekend to overcome initial development boundaries, such as: directory structure, layer abstraction, a version-keeping database and library/framework installation. The different layers include: logic (PHP), mark-up (XHTML), presentation (CSS) and interactivity (JavaScript). There is one more final layer to add during development, data storage. This will, of course, be developed in MySQL. It’s now six weeks to the deadline for the CHUI project, it’s approaching fast. I’m confident however that my development is now in full flow. I will be going on to drag-and-drop interactivity next, using the Rico JavaScript library (based on Prototype) mootools JavaScript framework. I will also be beginning to look at storing user’s preferences and different colour themes. Still to come is support for POP3 email access, Box.net and Flickr API intergration. Striking a balance between functionality and ‘correctness’ (accessibility, quality, portability) is key to the success of this project in the time period given.
I will also try to look over my report, this has to be in too!
Next step: Second alpha launch.
UPDATE: v0.0.1100 is now live. New features include drag-and-drop, minimise/maximise effects and layout bug fixes.