OpenStack is an easy-to-use but powerful object-oriented building tool for HyperCard stacks.
Just drag and drop objects from the OpenStack palette or from the Finder onto your document. OpenStack does the rest for you: ready-made buttons, fields, texts, scripts, pictures, sounds, QuickTime movies, external functions, etc. will instantly be created and installed.
OpenStack makes building your HyperCard stacks very easy. No scripting is required: all you need is a mouse and … your fantasy!
OpenStack comes with a rich and versatile library of ready-to-use objects. Moreover, you will be able to create easily your own objects using utility programs such as XObject Maker (provided) or ResEdit™.
Developers are encouraged to enrich the collection of available objects with their own freeware, shareware, or commercial productions.
Moreover, OpenStack will also allow you to take advantage of your previous creations. The buttons, scripts, external commands, etc., you have so carefully prepared can be converted into OpenStack objects. Thus you will enhance your productivity by setting up a library of reusable objects.
Thanks to the “Find” function of OpenStack, all your objects will be only a click of the mouse away.
OpenStack is based on an open architecture, allowing a high degree of customization. A development kit is provided for more advanced developers, which will be able to set up customized edition or installation procedures, according to the particular requirements of their own objects.
From your home work to commercial or scientific applications — OpenStack might well be the tool you need to enhance your capacities and your productivity…
Using OpenStack™, no need to write scripts.
All you need: a mouse… and your fantasy!
Questions & Answers:
Q: Will I have to learn a programming language?
A: • No! You don't need to write scripts nor to know a programming language in order to use existing objects, as well as create most of your own objects.
Q: So what do I have to do to use an object?
A: • Just choose the object you want to use (button, field, movie, text, picture, script, etc.), drag it from the OpenStack palette and drop it onto your document (HyperCard stack).
Q: Is OpenStack easy to master? Will the learning curve be steep?
A: • No, within few minutes, you will be a "specialist"! Only drag&drop an object onto your document — and the object is functional!
Q: Will I need another program to use my objects after their installation?
A: • No, after the installation, objects are fully movable and modifiable in the HyperCard environment, exactly like any HyperCard object.
Q: I have developed a 3D molecular drawing external command (XCMD). Can I convert it into an object without rewriting it?
A: • No need to rewrite it, you can convert it into an object with the provided utility programs.
Q: Is it possible to edit the resources of my object and control its installation from within HyperCard?
A: • Of course, if you are a C, Pascal, CompileIt! or HyperTalk developer. OpenStack is based on an open architecture allowing the adaptation and customization of every procedure, such as:
- the edition and installation of resources,
- the “About” dialog,
- the online help,
- the possibility to intercept via a HyperTalk script the messages sent by OpenStack,
- the possibility to get and set via a HyperTalk script several properties of OpenStack.
Interface files in C, Pascal and CompileIt! languages, and a developer documentation, are provided in the development kit.
Q: I only have version 2.2 of HyperCard Player. Can I use OpenStack?
A: • Yes, OpenStack is compatible with HyperCard Player 2.2 and above. The full version 2.2 will allow you to benefit from its new color possibilities and the OSA architecture (Open Scripting Achitecture). OpenStack requires System 7.1 or above.
Q: If I create new objects, do I have to pay additional licensing fees?
A: • No, no further charge is required, you can create your objects, and distribute them as freeware or shareware or commercialize them.
Q: Where can I find OpenStack?
A: ComposeTel
12, Rue LECUIROT - 75014 PARIS (FRANCE)
Phone (33 1) 44 12 55 67
Fax (33 1) 44 12 55 60
Apple, Macintosh, Finder, QuickTime and QuickTime VR, ResEdit, HyperCard et AppleScript are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. CompileIt! is a trademark of Heizer Software.