Background applications are key to developing any kind of project that will continously run on your computer without any user interaction. Background apps launch and then hide themselves from the user.
How to create a background app
------------------------------
1. Create your entire project, since there is no user interaction, everything has to be centered off of an Application classes's open event. All methods must be called from here. Keep in mind that no menus, windows, etc.. will be seen by the user
2. So what about the fact that when you edit/use controls the window they reside in opens? Well, all you have to do is check the windows visible property to false. The window's controls will run still, but the window will never be seen and won't interfere with the system. IMPORTANT : You must do this or the system will crash, it will run maybe for about 15 secs and you won't be able to change windows in the Finder, then BOOM! you're giving the infamous three fingered salute.
3. Build your application. (simple, eh?)
4. Use a resource editor such as ResEdit or Resourcer to open your application. Open the SIZE resource, there should only be one of them in the app. Find where it says "Only Background" and mark that TRUE or 1.
5. Launch the app, it should run in the background. You'll need to edit the QuitTest script included in this bundle to be able to quit it.
How to create a background app with a global floating window
1. Global floating windows are sweet! Great feature and the fact that REALbasic supports them makes its $99 value worth it. Keep in mind that if you create a global floating window, any other window in the project must have its visibility to false so the user won't see them (Read #2 of the first section for more info). Keep in mind that no menus, windows, etc.. will be seen by the user except your global floating window.
2. Build your application. (Careful, this is harder than turning the Mac on)
3. Use a resource editor such as ResEdit or Resourcer to open your application. Open the SIZE resource, there should only be one of them in the app. Find where it says "Only Background" and mark that TRUE or 1.
5. Launch the app, it should run in the background. You'll need to edit the QuitTest script included in this bundle to be able to quit it.
Conclusion
----------
Have fun with these, if you find any problems or make enhancements, contact me at ruffguy@cfu-cybernet.net
BTW, keep a watch out for my new website coming soon, The MacinMosh Network, a very handy news resource for Mac users that I'm using REALbasic to database, compile, publish and manage the site! (http://www.macinmosh.com -- may not be there yet!)
