[Bf-committers] I am attempting to improve Blender's Outliner and I could use some help.

[john bartle]

 > From: bf-committers-request at blender.org
> Subject: Bf-committers Digest, Vol 118, Issue 8
> To: bf-committers at blender.org
> Date: Thu, 8 May 2014 12:00:01 +0200
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> 
> Using Python to filter outliner results is asking for troubles IMHO,
> outliner can have many 1000s of items and already gives us speed
> troubles on larger scenes. I agree. I do not like the idea of using an additional step of
code tranlation, namely, the Python interpreter. But I was hoping
that an efficient algorithm would counter the overhead of Python, as
well as the problem of updating 1000s of items. I was planning on
devising a way to only update what is actually necessary and when
it's actually necessary.  
> So not sure this is a good project we would even accept if it were finished.
I agree and understand. I don't know that my finished project would 
meet the Blender Foundations standards. I am totally ok with this.
I am just trying to gain some experience with programming, as well
as have a little fun, and gain some familiarity with the Blender
codebase(for future projects). I assume that I will probably need
to do some major revisions to my code once completed, and I am ok
with that. Also, this could take a loooong time for me.
> If you propose to make some addition to the outliner it would be good
> to detail whats missing with the outliner.
Right now I just have a preliminary design in mind. I was planning on
improving my design(even drastically if necessary) as I go along. But
I have some notes and an image outlining what I am thinking of 
implementing. If you or Joshua are interested I can either email you
the OpenOffice .odt file or transfer it through irc or maybe pm you
through Blenderartists.org. Just let me know...  
> Aside from this being a large change,
> This seems like an advanced project to start if your not already
> familiar with outliner code.
> If you try some project which is too advanced for your skill level,
> often you'll have a hard time getting help.
Considering that the probability of me either failing or my code not
being accepted, I would say that if my questions(current and future) 
require to much effort to answer then I wouldn't really expect any 
response intended to resolve my questions. It would, however, be nice 
if someone let me know that my questions require to much effort to answer.
I understand that you guys are busy, and you don't want to exert effort
into a lost cause.  
Just know that I am only expecting pointers, and general answers.
This shouldn't be too much trouble for anyone. "Uncle Entity" on
BlenderArtists.org gave me that and more!
  
> Suggest try get some smaller patch finished and accepted first,
> 
> Added a quick-hack task for the outliner which might interest you.
> https://developer.blender.org/T40085  Well.... See, I have a psycholigical ailment that makes thinking and
remembering difficult. I kind of have to stick with one task for
right now. I figure that I am motivated by what I'm currently doing
and I seem to be learning the outliner code - so I figure that if
my psychological condition is forcing me to decide then I choose
my project. However, if I weren't sick I would gladly do both at the
same time. Lastly I think the view2d.c file is the "draw_outliner" function, and
the View2d struct is the answer I'm looking for.
Thanks for your time sir!     
> 
> -- 
> - Campbell
> 
> 
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> End of Bf-committers Digest, Vol 118, Issue 8
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