My Philosophy on Updates

Outlaw Game Tools
#1

I write tools because I’m lazy – if I can create something to take care of some of the drudgery, I’m happy. That means that when I think of something that could be added to save some steps, I add it. And release a new version.

I have another product that was updated 18 times in the last 12 months.

Some people might think that’s excessive, but if I add something to a program that can help someone (like it helps me), why should I wait for an “official release date?” (Nothing snide meant against Ansca – Corona SDK is on a much larger scale (at this point) than CPM, so they have more hoops to jump through for each release.)

You can see what tweaks have been made, bugs stomped, and features added on the blog: http://coronaprojectmanager.com/blog/

I try and list the changes made in each version and if you don’t want to upgrade each time, no big deal – you can safely skip some and upgrade when you want to.

I just released v1.2.1 to fix a problem a couple people reported and am planning on v1.3 in a couple weeks – but while driving home from the store a couple hours ago I thought of a way to handle something that’s been bugging me (it’s not “broken” it just isn’t as smooth as it could be) so I may add that as v1.3 and release that in a day or so – and then bump the bigger changes to a v1.4 in a couple weeks.

Just in case you wondered what the deal is with so many releases so close together, that’s the scoop. I use the software I write and when I see a deficiency (or have one pointed out to me) I try to fix it and get it out as soon as possible.

Jay
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#2

Jay I for one don’t mind the frequency at all and appreciate your hard work. CPM has come a long way in the last couple of days that I came to use it and I know it will go far too. Thanks once again. [import]uid: 11904 topic_id: 4387 reply_id: 13708[/import]

#3

Thanks, ksan.

You know, what would be crazy is releasing two versions in less than 24 hours. *ahem* *v1.3.0* *cough*

I wouldn’t have done it, but I ran into a limitation that was stopping me from working and figured if I was running into it, so would other people. So I removed it for myself and then decided to go ahead and upload it for everyone else.

The downside to releases like this is that it can reflect on my credibility – after all, don’t I have a plan for this software? What am I doing, just flying by the seat of my pants???

And the answer to both questions is, yes.

I’m a one-man band with an eye for where I want CPM to end up, but I also enjoy the detours along the way. :slight_smile:

Jay
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#4

Jay,

I think your way is exactly what puts us one man shops above the companies. And that is what people love when they use indie software. Stay like that. I did it before and people loved it. With my next app I will do that too.

Cheers
Michael [import]uid: 5712 topic_id: 4387 reply_id: 13715[/import]

#5

Michael - Yeah, I’ve gotten enough feedback on “our” way of doing things that I’ll stop worrying about it for now. :slight_smile:

Thanks for the input.

Jay
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#6

Erm… now that you’ve set the expectation… How is that update coming along? :wink:

Cheers. Just pulling your leg. Take your time. [import]uid: 11904 topic_id: 4387 reply_id: 14031[/import]

#7

I know it’s later than I thought, but It’s coming – hopefully in a couple days.

Jay

PS - For people who need some light lunchtime reading, this is why it’s later than expected.

We have friends who breed Labrador Retrievers who needed a vacation and asked us to housesit while they’re gone (my son helps them in the kennels off and on). They were supposed to be back on the 10th, but a few days before that called and asked if they could extend that another week. Sure, I said, because I’m a nice guy (pushover).

During the last week two dogs each had a litter of puppies – we have 21 puppies a week old or less here. Plus, during the last week people started showing up to pick up the 8-week old puppies they’d been promised, so I had a crash course in the breeding business.

On top of that, two days ago the furnace went out and it’s been hanging at 0 degrees F for about a week here in Alaska. We had to carry newborn puppies up into the house so they can stay warm by the fireplace while the heating guy has been trying to get things going (still no good news today).

Besides the dogs there are cows, chickens, and ducks – and while my son is the one taking care of them (for the most part) the whole thing has been occupying most of my brain, making it hard to concentrate on code.

And that’s the story why CPM still doesn’t have support for folders. :slight_smile:
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#8

Wow your friends have a great friend! Keep it up. You’re going a good deed. [import]uid: 11904 topic_id: 4387 reply_id: 14063[/import]

#9

Those of you waiting for the “folders” feature, thanks for your patience. AT this point, because of Christmas and other things it looks like the next update won’t happen until after the first of the year.

The good news is that I should have even more features in that release than just the folders. Kind of depends on how the folders thing goes, honestly. I’m “coded into a corner” with the control I purchased to do the projects list and I’m exploring whether to find a way around the limitations or switch controls (possibly even just hand-code my own).

Just wanted to give a quick update to everyone who’s waiting for the next version.

Thanks.

Jay
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#10

Thanks for the update. Remember to enjoy the holidays too. [import]uid: 11904 topic_id: 4387 reply_id: 14715[/import]