YAMVQ - Yet Another Macro Variable Question

greyhat64 · Post by **greyhat64** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 12:19 pm

Alex,
Thanks for the response.
Yes, I was intending on using it in the Reply. For me, it simplifies and unifies the message delivered on the console and in my associated emails - I can use the same (or similar) email body template and, if I change the contents of %Reply% in my test, the email body changes with it.

Not to mention the fact that discrepancy and inconsistency simply bugs me - have you noticed?

On to your two other earlier responses to my sidebar questions:

greyhat64 · Post by **greyhat64** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 12:19 pm

Re: Formula builder enhancement (the ability to test or view values/results)
You state you don't see a way to do this, and that an action can be assigned to hundreds of test items. Agreed, and it would make sense that if someone were to enter the Action Profiles list from the \Profiles\ menu that this would be an invalid option ('greyed out'/unavailable).

But in the context of editting a specific test, the alert actions formula builder is entered into from the test currently being modified. A contextual list of values/results based on the currently selected test would be perfect.

Another, possibly better, approach would be to have a separate 'debugger tool', where a test and and action are selected and the resultant values are displayed. You might even include the ability to 'feed' test values to test different scenarios. Access to this debugger could be made via a button in the formula builder dialog box.

Some of this may be covered by the existing Audit tool. Does the Audit tool look for common formula 'syntax' errors, like:

Orphaned '%' or '(' (assuming formula was typed in without the aid of the formula builder)
Invalid variable names
unknown or missing operators, etc.?

This could even by handled by not allowing a formula to be saved that doesn't at least pass a syntax test.

greyhat64 · Post by **greyhat64** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 12:19 pm

A 'Members Only' forum

There are "Library", "Reports" and "Other" forums however I do not see much posts there.

That exactly my point. I would like to change the culture here a bit and I think encouraging peer-to-peer dialog and providing additional tools, as mentioned earlier (chat, file sharing, etc.) everyone would benefit - especially you. Templates, reports, scripts, etc. are built and tested by a group of seasoned users BEFORE they make it to the Library, Reports, and Other areas.
Of course we could 'take over' those areas - similar to the Library 'conversation' between Paul_NHS and myself regarding our Freespace script.
But I think it's best if that is done off-line, or in a 'private' space, and the Library is comprised of simple posts with a Title, description, and 'attachment' of code, don't you?

KS-Soft · Post by **KS-Soft** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 2:12 pm

Yes, I was intending on using it in the Reply. For me, it simplifies and unifies the message delivered on the console and in my associated emails - I can use the same (or similar) email body template and, if I change the contents of %Reply% in my test, the email body changes with it.

Ok, we will make some changes in version 8

Another, possibly better, approach would be to have a separate 'debugger tool', where a test and and action are selected and the resultant values are displayed. You might even include the ability to 'feed' test values to test different scenarios. Access to this debugger could be made via a button in the formula builder dialog box.

Ok, ok, but first let us finish version 8.00. Please

Of course we could 'take over' those areas - similar to the Library 'conversation' between Paul_NHS and myself regarding our Freespace script. But I think it's best if that is done off-line, or in a 'private' space, and the Library is comprised of simple posts with a Title, description, and 'attachment' of code, don't you?

I think its not about how to share your libraries/scripts. Its about what do you have to share and what you will share.
How many people used "Library" forum to post usefull scripts? About 15 persons in 6 years? Do you really think we should waste our time for some forum/chat development while we can spend this time for software improvements?

Regards
Alex

greyhat64 · Post by **greyhat64** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:54 pm

Alex,

Ok, we will make some changes in version 8

Yaa!

Ok, ok, but first let us finish version 8.00. Please

As if you need my permission

But seriously, thanks in advance for this one.

Do you really think we should waste our time for some forum/chat development while we can spend this time for software improvements?

Now for another quote. . .

If you build it, they will come. (Field of Dreams)

I honestly think that there is a strong core of users - Kapz, Dobolomov, mp1, timn, jivetolkein, Heini_net, etc., along with some rising new talent like Paul_NHS and myself (ok, talent might be stretching it a bit

) that I really believe would benefit from this exchange. And remember, you benefit from this stronger base of users in the form of deliverables to your new customers like the collection of templates I'm gathering now 'on the side'.
I really don't expect that you would need to expend huge amounts of development time on this, as the tools are easily available and equally easy to implement. There would be some additional monitoring to insure appropriate use, prevent 'misinformation, and to 'capture' the wealth of good information provided.
The bottom line is, I think you would, in the long run, be the biggest beneficiary.
The one requirement beyond your time to set this up - You would need to invite your current userbase to participate. I know you have a working address book, you'd just have to be willing to use it. I think it would take off like a rocket if you were to launch this in parallel to (hint, hint) the announcement of a new major release. Your thoughts. . .