theoremtank
First Post
I've been working with Microsoft's .NET platform for a while, specifically C#. So what do you other programmers out there feel about this platform specifically for writing and distributing RPG utility programs?
Programming D&D utilities for Microsoft's .NET framework
- Thread starter theoremtank
- Start date
Fyrie
Explorer
Howdy!
I have been working with C# (exclusively in ASP.NET) at my job for about six months now and I have an idea for a character personality/history generator based on the Central Castings books.
I think what is holding back many developers is probably the lack of a fully implimented GPL compiler (if there is one I have missed it). Also, as far as cross-platform goes, it is still going to be awhile before MONO is finished for people who develop on linux.
I have been working with C# (exclusively in ASP.NET) at my job for about six months now and I have an idea for a character personality/history generator based on the Central Castings books.
I think what is holding back many developers is probably the lack of a fully implimented GPL compiler (if there is one I have missed it). Also, as far as cross-platform goes, it is still going to be awhile before MONO is finished for people who develop on linux.
Last edited:
MythosaAkira
Explorer
theoremtank said:
I'm planning on migrating TableSmith over to .NET eventually; it's in VB right now, but I've needed a reason to learn C#, so I may use that ('course, if I use an entirely different language, I might just as well convert it to Java and make it cross-platform...).
Personally, I prefer the language changes made to VB in .NET, so I'd like TS to be in v7 rather than v6. But I'm holding back due to the necessity of people having to download the 20 MB .NET Framework. Once more people are likely to have the framework, I'll switch over.
I'm also considering the possibility of a TableSmith Web Service, but that might be awhile (there are a few other priorities ahead of that, one important one in particular...).
Hawks Talon
First Post
Studio .NET has a lot of potential for development of applications for RPGs. I was working on a system for Palladium and may convert it over to .NET and finish it up for them, haven't decided yet. I've toyed with the idea of creating an app for D&D and other systems in .NET, my problem is time constraints. I would be more then willing to put forth a joint effort to develop such a app.
As for cross platform, GNU currently supports C# from everything I have read and several other platforms are looking in to it. C# is a great step forward in the evolution of the C language, but it would be nice if it was not dependent on the .NET Framework. But on the other hand, all new PCs ship with WinXP which has the Framework built in, so the only users that would have to download the Framework would be the ones that are not running XP.
Regardless, of what language you use or what platform it runs on, there are Licensing issues that have to be addressed before distribution of any software. The D20 system of D&D may be reminiscent of "open-source", but I'd be willing to bet that they would not approve of copying the books into an app for distribution with out permission.
-Hawks Talon, MCP
As for cross platform, GNU currently supports C# from everything I have read and several other platforms are looking in to it. C# is a great step forward in the evolution of the C language, but it would be nice if it was not dependent on the .NET Framework. But on the other hand, all new PCs ship with WinXP which has the Framework built in, so the only users that would have to download the Framework would be the ones that are not running XP.
Regardless, of what language you use or what platform it runs on, there are Licensing issues that have to be addressed before distribution of any software. The D20 system of D&D may be reminiscent of "open-source", but I'd be willing to bet that they would not approve of copying the books into an app for distribution with out permission.
-Hawks Talon, MCP
theoremtank
First Post
I have really come to enjoy the C# language. And developing the graphical Windows Forms applications is almost as easy as it is with Visual Basic.
I imagine I will start releasing for download some simple little D&D calculators and utilities just for fun. But ultimately my goal and hobby will be building a freeware, very user friendly D20 character generator containing only core rules, although it will have custom user content ability. That is, you should be able to input or download a file and import, splat book content or other user created custom content. I plan on doing this with C# and XML for the .NET platform.
My biggest problem thus far with generators I have seen is that the interfaces are pretty ugly and seem to lack a good layout. I like PCGen but it is very slow, and once again my opinion applies to its interface. One of the better genrators I have seen as far as simplicity and intuitiveness of the interface has been Redblade's Character Generator. Although we have yet to see if his program will survive the D20 OGL compliance.
I imagine I will start releasing for download some simple little D&D calculators and utilities just for fun. But ultimately my goal and hobby will be building a freeware, very user friendly D20 character generator containing only core rules, although it will have custom user content ability. That is, you should be able to input or download a file and import, splat book content or other user created custom content. I plan on doing this with C# and XML for the .NET platform.
My biggest problem thus far with generators I have seen is that the interfaces are pretty ugly and seem to lack a good layout. I like PCGen but it is very slow, and once again my opinion applies to its interface. One of the better genrators I have seen as far as simplicity and intuitiveness of the interface has been Redblade's Character Generator. Although we have yet to see if his program will survive the D20 OGL compliance.
Fast Learner
First Post
I, too, am generally disappointed by the UIs, unfortunately. One of these days I'll have to do something about it. 
In the meantime, where can I find Redblade's? I'd like to see a good chargen UI.
In the meantime, where can I find Redblade's? I'd like to see a good chargen UI.
Hawks Talon
First Post
Agreed, UI development is tough to do. Just because it is easy for you as the developer to use does not mean that it will be for everyone else. That is the problem I have with "Open Source" programs in general, and it is the reason products like Linux have not made it in the general user domain. Mac and Windows keep their grip on this domain because they have guide lines for anyone developing products for thier platforms to follow.
Becarefull with includeing the Core Rules in any app you distribute. Even though D&D is now a OGL system, the Core Rules are still copyright protected from my understanding. I would get written permission before distributing them in your product, wether it's "Free Ware" or not. I would hate to see anyone get in to a mess just because the Copyright holder decides they want to be a pain in your but.
Again, if you would like help, let me know. I'm still learning C#, but have been programming in VB for about 8 years. Easy to use UIs have always been my specialty.
-Hawks Talon, MCP
Becarefull with includeing the Core Rules in any app you distribute. Even though D&D is now a OGL system, the Core Rules are still copyright protected from my understanding. I would get written permission before distributing them in your product, wether it's "Free Ware" or not. I would hate to see anyone get in to a mess just because the Copyright holder decides they want to be a pain in your but.
Again, if you would like help, let me know. I'm still learning C#, but have been programming in VB for about 8 years. Easy to use UIs have always been my specialty.
-Hawks Talon, MCP
MythosaAkira
Explorer
MonkeyBoy said:"'course, if I use an entirely different language, I might just as well convert it to Java and make it cross-platform..."
Gah!
.. and excruciatingly slow
Well, there is that
I'm more likely to use C# in any case...
jsfrederick
First Post
From a user stand point, I gotta say that I disagree with anything that locks a user into a specific platform. i.e. Microsoft only platforms. I agree that Java is slow, but it's getting better. It also lets Windows, Mac, Linux, and other platforms use the program. It's also a "non-propriatary" solution. If I had a choice between a slow cross-platform Java solution and a Microsoft or Windows specific solution, I'll take the cross-platform solution anytime! But ,that's just my opinion.
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