Mike Ryan Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 DLL Filetype (Plugin?) Well, I dont know how many of you pay attention to threads about installing plugins, but it seems like every single time the user is trying to open up the DLL in Paint.NET so I have come up with a solution: a DLL filetype plugin. How would it work? Simple, click Open in Paint.NET and literally open up the DLL. An image would then be opened saying something along the lines of "Plugin Installed Succesfully" with directions for restarting Paint.NET below it. I have even been thinking about plugin authors including a 400x400 preview image or something that would be compiled in the DLL so that when opened the preview image would appear in the center. But I digress, when the DLL is opened the filetype plugin actually copies and pastes the DLL into the appropriate folder (dialog box to let the user determine if the plugin is a filetype or effect). Hence the reason for instructions for installing Paint.NET to use the plugin. What is the Overall Benefit? It may sound strange to have to install plugins to install plugins, but I was thinking that perhaps Rick would be willing to include this into later builds of Paint.NET. Of course, dont make Paint.NET the default program to open DLLs with, but he could have more control in adding options in the IndirectUI to include a way of including a preview image with the plugin. If this all happened, the stress of dealing with new users having difficulty of installing plugins would be passed. End Notes I know there has been discussion of an actual effect filetype, but this would be an easy way of installing plugins until then. Also, sorry if there are tons of grammatical errors, way to many ideas are running through my head right now to think clearly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Brown Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 I have considered this before - the question is, if they don't read the installation tutorial, will they know to download this. I suggest formatting this as a feature request. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Ryan Posted April 26, 2008 Author Share Posted April 26, 2008 It is part feature request part plugin request in a way, and I outlined this is my post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncfan51 Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 It's an interesting idea, but I believe it is a lot more faster and efficient to just extract the zip to C:\Program Files\Paint.NET\Effects. I see, however, why you think that this could help new users to the program. Wouldn't it be a lot easier to teach new users how to extract DLL's to the aforementioned folder? It is *almost* like the adage Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. I love your idea of a preview image, though. That would be useful to new users and experienced users alike. +_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+ I am a disco dancer. +_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Ryan Posted April 26, 2008 Author Share Posted April 26, 2008 You will still be able to extract in the casual way, I am suggesting a seperate method for installation. Also, the preview image was inspired by Pyro's preview images on dA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Brown Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 And just one thing - this would be a paradox as the user would have to know how to install the plugin to use it. Edit: I guess I could create an installer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Ryan Posted April 26, 2008 Author Share Posted April 26, 2008 What is the Overall Benefit?It may sound strange to have to install plugins to install plugins, but I was thinking that perhaps Rick would be willing to include this into later builds of Paint.NET. Of course, dont make Paint.NET the default program to open DLLs with, but he could have more control in adding options in the IndirectUI to include a way of including a preview image with the plugin. If this all happened, the stress of dealing with new users having difficulty of installing plugins would be passed. @ Sabrown: Please read the topic :wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Brown Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 Here is a potential problem with this AFAIK: Windows Vista Permissions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Ryan Posted April 26, 2008 Author Share Posted April 26, 2008 From what I know Windows Vista lets programs access their own program files. Just a guess though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyrochild Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 From what I know Windows Vista lets programs access their own program files. Just a guess though. No, not unless the user running the program is an admin. Otherwise, they have to store in %AppData% or the registry. ambigram signature by Kemaru [i write plugins and stuff] If you like a post, upvote it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyrochild Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 All of this has already been talked about to death in Beta Center, and I believe Rick already has a fairly good idea of what he intends to do to ease plugin use. ambigram signature by Kemaru [i write plugins and stuff] If you like a post, upvote it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Ryan Posted April 26, 2008 Author Share Posted April 26, 2008 Sorry, when I searched amazingly nothing from the Beta Center showed up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyrochild Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 That's why I didn't throw a shoe at you. ambigram signature by Kemaru [i write plugins and stuff] If you like a post, upvote it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Ryan Posted April 26, 2008 Author Share Posted April 26, 2008 Then, in which case Rick has already known of this, I request the moderators lock this thread. I see no further benefit coming from this thread. And besides, if Rick decided to implement this perhaps he could allow the Effects API to look for plugins somewhere in AppData or something. Eh, oh well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Brewster Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 This wouldn't work. File Type plugins are required to return an image back to Paint.NET which will be presented in a new tab. The Paint.NET Blog: https://blog.getpaint.net/ Donations are always appreciated! https://www.getpaint.net/donate.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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