changes.txt
8/11/95
Newt 3.1
weyer@netaxs.com

- Newt Revision History
- Future Possibilities


Newt Revision History
-----
3.1 (8/11/95)
-- see Newt.1st (and change31.txt)

3.0 (4/30/95)
- creates Newton packages directly with NewtPack plug-in
- reduces heap usage; more error messages; better error handling; cleans up syntax
- other optional plug-ins for turtle graphics, platform functions
- supports constants via plug-ins and limited "DefConst"
- improves printing of values (quoting, new types)
- adds several more preferences (default font, autoloading, confirming)

2.5 (1/30/95)
- separates "NewtNews.txt" into topical readme files & FAQ
- changes how help books are created
- adds button for electronic registration through Register application
  (and payment through Kagi shareware service) -- see register.txt
- adds common error messages (and allows you to customize/add your own)
- prints and notifies via Slurpee "Inspector"
- builds-in support for resources and testing installscripts
- improves handling of "stepChildren" for user protos
- additional examples -- see examples.txt
- (for registered users: more details of changes (change25.txt)
  160+ examples; manual (70 pages) available in Acrobat format)

2.4 (10/15/94)
- fixes save source bug
- fixes "fixing" arrays of frames, removeStep when closed
- allows user prototypes to be constructed incrementally
- uses graphic and sound resources stored in soups (see Slurpee 1.2)
- supports more examples (see listing in NewtNews.txt)
- files in .sit & .zip archives should be more accessible

2.3 (9/3/94)
- adds new syntax/mechanism for defining objects and building apps
- supports embedded help books and standalone Newton books
- provides scroll options for long lists of methods, objects
- adds other apps/books to Newt's overview list, e.g., Slurpee
- uses a "library" folder for shared, customizable method/object templates
- supports Duplicate, Delete of source code via action button
- removes built-in demo code; see sample sources applic0.nwt, graphic0.nwt;
  see also NewtATut and/or NewtTurT interactive tutorials
- lite-version (w/o turtle graphics and some features) available separately
- both Mac and PC versions of text files
- misc. changes to methods, user interface


2.2 (6/6/94):
- support and examples for additional system prototypes and viewclasses
  (it now supports all prototypes and viewclasses described in NTK 1.0.1):
  protoRCheckbox, protoFilingButton, protoDrawer, protoDateExpando,
  protoPhoneExpando, protoActionButton, protoPrintFormat, protoKeyboard,
  protoKeypad, protoLabeledBatteryGauge, protoPicker, protoEndPoint,
  clView, clEditView, clGaugeView, clKeyboardView, clMonthView, clOutline,
  clParagraphView, clPictureView, clPolygonView, clRemoteView
- a few other fixes/features

2.1 (4/20/94):
- reorganizes interface: Edit Methods moves to "main" view, turtle to Drawing
  Area; other cosmetic improvements
- supports and documents additional system prototypes: protoBorder,
  protoCloseBox, protoDivider, protoFloater, protoFolderTab, protoGauge,
  protoGlance, protoLabelInputLine, protoLargeCloseBox, protoPictIndexer,
  protoPictRadioButton, protoPictureButton, protoRoll, protoRollBrowser,
  protoRollItem, protoSetClock, protoShowBar, protoStatus, protoStatusBar,
  protoTable, protoTableDef, protoTableEntry, protoTitle
- supports user prototypes and subviews ("linked layouts")
- handles low frame heap situations better
- adds Color (penPattern) option for Newt drawing

2.0 (2/16/94):
- adds initial support for creating interface objects and saving applications
- new icon; "auto close"; separate RUNewt application for running, exchanging
  applications
- rearranges/resizes interface for Newt Controls, Eval Controls, Code
  Templates, Edit Methods (continued)
- moves samples to Expr button, overview accesses list of views
- sets keyboard input to a default edit location (Eval field or method source)
- saves folder for "newts" to/from Preferences; does not remove Prefs as in 1.1
- improves access for large and larger numbers of method entries
- adds visual feedback for Pen setting -- Newt grows/shrinks
- adds support for Logo word and sentence operations

1.2 (12/93-2/94)
- limited distribution beta releases; Happy Newt Year

1.1 (11/24/93):
- saves Newt methods, screen snapshots and evaluation results as "newts"
  (notes) in Notepad, organized via the built-in folders
- sends messages to single newt or to many newts
- adds a Print? option, with results and errors printed to a scrolling Eval Log
- eliminates the "do you want to add..." prompts during keyboard entry
- streamlines NewtonScript editing via inserting code templates in Edit
  Methods (continued) and via selecting entire sample expressions for Eval field
- recognizes line gesture to set Newt heading and to draw lines; drag to move Newt
- draws more cleanly (clipping, refresh); adds "poof" animation for erase
- simplifies interface for editing methods; scrolls methods
- traps and reports errors
- removes Preferences entry when Newt application is removed

1.0 (10/12/93)
- initial release


Future Possibilities
-----
There are many features and fixes that would be nice to have. However, there
are also design trade-offs, especially given the MessagePad's and my
constraints. So, help me figure out:
- where can it go on the screen?
- how much memory space and implementation time is it worth?
- can it take advantage of existing Newton mechanisms or metaphors?

For example:
- resizable views (hooks are in there; need better system support)
- palette for app objects with interface support for drag, edit, etc.
- more online manuals, tutorials (in NewtonBook, Acrobat, Web formats)
- more example files
- better drag gesture; other gestures for drawing; undo support for drawing?
- use Newt as a wireless remote LegoLogo controller
- allow more customization of Newt environment, save more to Preferences?


Next steps will likely be:
- revised, expanded manual
- improved packages
- object (non-source) editors  [see Newt's Cape -- from HTML to books & forms]
- more examples