FLODRAW - Next Generation: Status Report

I have been working on the next generation of FLODRAW since 
the release of FLODRAW 2.2.  The next generation of FLODRAW 
is a completely new program that will off many features 
suggested by FLODRAW users.

The new program will be a diagramming program similar to the 
current FLODRAW.  But the similarity is only in what the 
program does.  The graphical interface is so completely 
different that I will call it something other than FLODRAW.  
It will be easier and faster to get your ideas on a diagram.  
I haven't decided on a name yet.

Right now I'm working with a prototype of the new FLODRAW 
program.  There are still a lot of problems to resolve, but 
I expect to have a version I can offer to registered users 
by end of '92.

Based on the prototype I've developed so far, here are a few 
of the features that will be available in the next program.

    Mouse support.  The first release of the program will 
    probably require a mouse.  I'll add keyboard support  
    later.  Most functions can be selected from an icon bar 
    rather than a menu.

    EGA/VGA support.  CGA will no longer be supported since 
    it can't provide the resolution necessary for the screen 
    displays in the new program.  The first release may be 
    VGA only.  But EGA will be supported as soon as 
    possible.


    Text processing.  Proportional fonts supported.  You 
    will be able to enter text in two ways.  The first way 
    is to type directly on the diagram as you do with 
    FLODRAW.  The second way is to "link" the text to a 
    location in the diagram so that you can edit the text at 
    any time much the same way you would with a word 
    processor.  This unique feature will provide some nifty 
    text editing functions.

    Multiple levels of zoom.  You will be able to edit the 
    diagram at three levels of zoom.  A fourth level of zoom 
    will allow you to easily make changes at the pixel 
    level.

    Ruler grids.  Grids will help you control the placement 
    of symbols, lines, boxes, etc.  The grids will replace 
    the "tab" feature in FLODRAW.

    PCX file conversion.  The new program will read and 
    write PCX format files as an option.

There is some bad news, though.  Unfortunately, it is 
necessary to make a complete break from the old program in 
order to provide the improved features in the new program.  
Compatibility with old FLODRAW diagrams will be 
disappointing since the new program provides twice the 
resolution of the old FLODRAW.  I do plan to provide a 
conversion program to convert old FLODRAW files to the new 
format.  However, be prepared for differences in text and 
symbols between the old and new programs.

I am very excited about developing this new program and I 
look forward to releasing it later this year.