New code

Since changing to GObject based code for the task-manager (what keeps track of open windows) & task (a representation of on window on the bar), I can say that Awn feels much more resilient! Especially when opening and closing lots of windows. I am experimenting with the idea of the bar knowing when you have opened lots of windows, and therefore skipping the effects, to make it feel slightly faster.

Each 'Task' is actually a GtkDrawingArea, which is then made transparent, and the Task's icon is drawn onto it, using with necessary padding for the effects. Speaking of effects, moving to Cairo for the rendering is allowing much more freedom regarding what effects you can do. I will be demoing some ideas later on, but for now:

This is the current open and close effects, the idea being that the icon 'pops' in at the bottom of the screen, and then 'evaporates' away when you close the window.

P.S. Excuse the jerkiness and the redrawing you can see of Gtk, lets just say I am not developing on the fastest of machines, just be sure that it is not as jerky in real life!

Sweet mother of all that is holy!

756 Diggs and counting for Awn!
I now feel I should have tried harder with the website ;)

Anyway, I feel this is a good a time as any to clear some things up:

1) I don't work for Google (I wish I did :), but do use their excellent project-hosting services.

2) This differs from previous docks in that it is firstly a task switcher, just like the task list in GNOME, and therefore it will keep track of all open windows on the desktop.

3) Although this look like the MAC OS X dock, it does not try to imitate it. Awn is fully configurable, it has planned features not available elsewhere, such as the ability for applications to control their icons through dbus, and allow progress indicators on the icon.

4) Launching applications from Awn and tracking the application windows (like 'The Dock') is planned, and is being implemented as we speak.

5) The dependency on a patched libwnck is not required in svn.

6) I you are getting a segfault, this is a problem with schema installation, and can be overcome by entering the 'data' directory (after make install), and executing:

$  gconftool-2 --install-schema-file=avant-window-navigator.schemas

Also, if you are using svn, be sure to try the new task-manger launching Awn like this:

$ avant-window-navigator -x

awn - update

Just updated svn with new code which drops the need for a patched libwnck, as it talks directly to X (thanks to some copy-and-paste from the libwnck source ;). It, however, does need testers to make sure it is all working properly.

Now, on to the smart launchers!

avant-window-navigator fc6 rpms available

Added FC6 rpms, including the updated libwnck, to make all you Fedora users lifes a bit easier!!
I have included the debuginfo rpms, which I suggest you install as well so if there is a problem, you get useful output!

*Update* New rpms available here. They should fix the gconf problem, please let me know if they work, either by leaving a quick comment here, or emailing me : njpatel_AT_gmail_DOT_com.

avant-window-navigator initial release!

Finally! avant-window-navigator-0.1.1 is out the door, and after some teething pains, all seems well.

To help people grasp the idea a little better, I have posted some screenshots here.
Also, I have made a screencast (download awn-demo.ogg) which gives you an idea of how Awn works/looks when you are using it (it was my first ever screencast, so forgive the lack of direction :).

If you are using Awn, and hopefully enjoying it, I would love to here from you regarding what features you'd like to see, and/or any ideas regarding the visuals.

Hello World...

...and welcome to my blog. I hope for this to primarily be a place for me to share information about the software that I write for, and my experiences with, Linux. I may also sprinkle in some posts about myself, my life, and my personal experiences, but I promise not to make them too boring!