TweetFollow Us on Twitter

StoneTable

Volume Number: 13 (1997)
Issue Number: 12
Column Tag: Tools of the Trade

StoneTable

by Edward Ringel

This List Manager replacement offers many advantages to the Mac OS developer

The visual management of list and tabular data is one of the weak points of the Mac OS Toolbox. Although each programmer may have his or her pet peeve about the List Manager, most developers would agree on three substantial limitations. First, and I think foremost, is the 32K data limitation. Although it is possible to write an LDEF to overcome this limitation without too much difficulty, we're still left with the fixed cell size and absence of cell styles. Granted, for some applications, the List Manager routines may be more than enough. On the other hand, for anyone with the need to manipulate larger amounts of data, or with the need to customize rows, columns, and cells, it can be pretty easy to bump up against the limitations of the List Manager.

After seeing StoneTable advertised repeatedly in MacTech and looking at their demos, I thought it might be of interest to the Mac programming community to explore this product in depth, as it is the only (at least to my knowledge) freestanding commercial List Manager available to the Mac programming community. StoneTable is a powerful List Manager replacement that offers many improvements over the List Manager routines. Its current competition lies primarily in some of the components of frameworks and one piece of almost freeware that we'll mention briefly at the end of the article.

Package Contents

I received StoneTable via the Internet, which is currently the normal means of distribution. The archive was about 1 meg. After decompressing the package, I reviewed several different documents and files. There is the usual read me about bugs and the like. This document, addressing version 3, indicated that there were no known bugs. There was a longer document reviewing the changes between version 2 and version 3. Although there was a host of information there about the differences between versions, there was no hand-holding about how to do the conversion.

The primary description of the product is an Acrobat file which is a model for software package documentation. It is clear, concise, and well written. The introduction and general principles of operation are very helpful in setting the "ground rules" for the package. The function nomenclature is uniform, as are function descriptions. The document makes nice use of hypertext cross referencing. I would have liked to see snippets of example code in the function descriptions, but I could also see that as excessively burdensome for the author given that he provided a sample program as well.

The software itself consists of a .h file, a .p file, libraries, procedural code examples, TDEF development instructions (covered below) and a PowerPlant class and sample app based on StoneTable. The package I received had CodeWarrior files for 68K application and code resource (A4) development as well as a PPC lib. The sample programs and projects work under the new CodeWarrior Pro IDE. The sample program is fairly simple and does not show off every last feature of StoneTable. However, careful review of the code definitely will show the programmer how to get started and use the library effectively.

Lots More Than the List Manager

StoneTable performs many, many useful tasks. Obviously, it does everything that the List Manager does. The additional functionality is why people pay money for this product. StoneTable supports tables of data that are greater than 32K in aggregate size. It allows many different cell data types. Text, checkbox, popup menu, PICTs, icons (all sizes), hierarchical lists, and CDEF controls are all supported. A wide variety of style information can be attached to each cell: justifications, font, size, margins, and foreground and background colors are all options. If necessary, the programmer can write a TDEF to support a custom drawing procedure. TDEF's are Table DEFinitions supported by StoneTable. A prototype sample TDEF is provided as part of the package.

Text entry into tables is quite sophisticated. One of the very nice features of StoneTable is in-cell editing, which for some programmers is the holy grail of lists. Cell data entry validation hooks and stubs, as well as built-in validations for numbers, help insure data accuracy. Sort and find functions are provided. Comprehensive control over list appearance and behavior can be achieved with TDEF's and other hooks, stubs, and callbacks provided by the library for the programmer. Many of the appearance services are provided in such a manner so that the end user of the application can easily control list appearance with a minimum of programming on the part of the developer.

There are a host of other very useful services provided. Drag and drop and clipboard management, while not terribly difficult to write, are a nuisance, tedious, and error-prone routines. These two services require almost no programming to implement. Drag and drop services in particular are quite sophisticated and include transfers to and from StoneTable and non-StoneTable applications in either direction. Clipboard information includes all cell data.

Using StoneTable

The programmer must first create a StoneTable list, and then intercept events directed at the list and allow the StoneTable library to process the event. Table creation is not awful, but requires multiple function calls to set display and interface options completely. This is the kind of situation that could lend itself nicely to a resource that is created by the programmer and then passed to a single MakeTable() call.

To intercept table events, StoneTable requires some modification of the basic event loop, but overall this is not an onerous task. Because many unique services are provided, the program must give the StoneTable library the opportunity to intercept events that are directed at a StoneTable list. This is done by intercepting various mouse clicks and keyboard events, as well as activate/deactivate events, etc. I have lifted, with some modification, the conceptual outline of table creation and a typical procedural event loop from the manual (my apologies to Bill Stackhouse for any corruption or obfuscation.)

//The general outline of an application that uses StoneTable.
#include <StoneTable.h>
...
create_table() {
  ...
  window = NewWindow(...);
...
  new_table = TMX_New(...);
//Create a new table and a ttach it to a window, then set the various options
  TMX_SetOptions(...);
  TMX_SetGrid(...);
  TMX_SetColumnTitleText(...);
  TMX_SetRowTitleText(...);
//Now set the cell data
  TMX_SetCellText(...);
//Now draw the list
  TMX_DoDraw(...); /* set drawIt to TRUE */
  ...
}

//event loop
process_event(event) {
  switch (event.what) {
    case nullEvent:
//Take care of table idle events along with program idle events
      TMX_Idle(...);
      TMX_WhatCursor(...);
      TMX_Where(...);
      ...
    case mouseDown:
//Take care of table mouse down events along with program mouse down events
      TMX_Click(...);
      ...
    case updateEvt:
//Process update events
      TMX_Update(...);
      ...
    case activateEvt:
//Process activate events
      TMX_Activate(...);
      ...
    case keyDown:
    case autoKey:
//process table key events and simultaneously hands off non-table events to the program
      if ( ! TMX_KeyNav(...))
        ...;
    }
  }

StoneTable, like the List Manager, makes the programmer do a lot of work to fill the list. StoneTable does provide one function that will take tab delimited text data and load cells en masse, but other kinds of data must be loaded cell by cell. At first, I thought this was a considerable failing of the product, but as I thought about it more, I realized that it would be quite difficult to automate loading cell data. Similarly, saving a table to a file would require a custom function written by the programmer. This discussion can't help but raise the issue of transferring data back and forth between a program memory structure in which the data is manipulated to a StoneTable structure in which the data is displayed. With correct programming technique, I do not think it would be necessary; StoneTable could keep it all without too much difficulty. These pros and cons notwithstanding, it still might be advantageous to be able to store a StoneTable "persistent object," and this might be a future goal of StoneTable upgrades.

In general, StoneTable calls are modeled after the List Manager calls, so the transition is at least somewhat intuitive. Additionally, the StoneTable PowerPlant object is modeled after the LTable class, also simplifying the transition as much as possible.

Memory Issues

Memory needs have the potential to be substantial. Each row and each column, requires about 24 bytes allocated. Empty cells take no memory. Those that have data are stored in a tree structure for quick access. Each allocated cell uses a minimum of about 46 bytes which includes style information for that cell. This uses more memory, but apparently is faster than having the style allocated only if different from the default. Memory is allocated using a memory manager that sits on top of the Mac Toolbox Memory Manager. This internal memory manager allocates memory from large handles. Titles other than default letters and numbers are treated as a regular cell.

Numbers and text are both stored as text as in the List Manager. If necessary, the programmer can store binary data in the cell. Apparently, there have been no complaints to StoneTable about performance due to numeric data.

The Finished Product

Judging from the available demo program and the sample program, it's not too difficult to create a very handsome table that is very responsive to user actions. I ran the sample program in 68K mode on my trusty Performa 6200 as well as PPC mode. The 68K mode was adequate, and the PPC program was downright snappy. Given the number of lines of sample code, the control over the list's appearance and the quality of the user interface is very impressive.

Figure 1. Window from StoneTable sample program.

The Competition and the Bottom Line

Although I have not made an exhaustive search of the products out there, I don't know of any current, commercial, free standing List Manager Replacement except StoneTable. There is an interesting product called the A list, which is almost free. It has many good features, but does not have the speed or full feature set of StoneTable. From a commercial standpoint, it is not bug free and is not supported in the same manner as StoneTable. In particular, I found the code to be much slower than StoneTable, which would be a serious issue with big lists.

PowerPlant and TCL both have table objects. The VIP-C and VIP Basic products support a grid, which is quite powerful. In all of these frameworks, it would be hard to justify a StoneTable purchase for simple tables. It would be cost efficient, however, to purchase StoneTable for a complex list problem. Both Tools Plus and AppMaker are "StoneTable aware" which makes it much easier to use this product in those environments. I think it would be almost foolhardy to create a List Manager replacement from scratch if you were programming in straight C, Pascal, or C++ without using a framework; StoneTable would be a logical choice.

All in all, StoneTable is a solid, useful tool for table management. Many programmers will not use its full array of functions. StoneTable tables in an application will be well behaved and easy to implement. Some framework programmers may be content to use the "native" table object, but many framework developers may still benefit from using StoneTable's unique features. In particular, in light of the recent price decrease and version increment, StoneTable may warrant careful evaluation. We would be most fortunate if all "niche" products were this good.

Products Reviewed

StoneTable, version 3.0 $199. Available from DevDepot and directly from the publisher, Stone Table Publishing, P.O. Box 12665, Portland, OR 97212. (503) 287-3424.

Useful URL's

StoneTablet publishing has a web site, ftp site, and email address. When you purchase the product, you can join a list to be notified of updates, issues, etc.

http://www.teleport.com/~stack
ftp://ftp.teleport.com/pub/vendors/stack
stack@teleport.com

Demo available at:

ftp://ftp.teleport.com/pub/vendors/stack/StoneTableDemo.hqx


Ed Ringel, eringel@mint.net, is Contributing Editor for product reviews for MacTech Magazine. In his spare time, he is a respiratory and critical care physician in Waterville, Maine.

 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Tokkun Studio unveils alpha trailer for...
We are back on the MMORPG news train, and this time it comes from the sort of international developers Tokkun Studio. They are based in France and Japan, so it counts. Anyway, semantics aside, they have released an alpha trailer for the upcoming... | Read more »
Win a host of exclusive in-game Honor of...
To celebrate its latest Jujutsu Kaisen crossover event, Honor of Kings is offering a bounty of login and achievement rewards kicking off the holiday season early. [Read more] | Read more »
Miraibo GO comes out swinging hard as it...
Having just launched what feels like yesterday, Dreamcube Studio is wasting no time adding events to their open-world survival Miraibo GO. Abyssal Souls arrives relatively in time for the spooky season and brings with it horrifying new partners to... | Read more »
Ditch the heavy binders and high price t...
As fun as the real-world equivalent and the very old Game Boy version are, the Pokemon Trading Card games have historically been received poorly on mobile. It is a very strange and confusing trend, but one that The Pokemon Company is determined to... | Read more »
Peace amongst mobile gamers is now shatt...
Some of the crazy folk tales from gaming have undoubtedly come from the EVE universe. Stories of spying, betrayal, and epic battles have entered history, and now the franchise expands as CCP Games launches EVE Galaxy Conquest, a free-to-play 4x... | Read more »
Lord of Nazarick, the turn-based RPG bas...
Crunchyroll and A PLUS JAPAN have just confirmed that Lord of Nazarick, their turn-based RPG based on the popular OVERLORD anime, is now available for iOS and Android. Starting today at 2PM CET, fans can download the game from Google Play and the... | Read more »
Digital Extremes' recent Devstream...
If you are anything like me you are impatiently waiting for Warframe: 1999 whilst simultaneously cursing the fact Excalibur Prime is permanently Vault locked. To keep us fed during our wait, Digital Extremes hosted a Double Devstream to dish out a... | Read more »
The Frozen Canvas adds a splash of colou...
It is time to grab your gloves and layer up, as Torchlight: Infinite is diving into the frozen tundra in its sixth season. The Frozen Canvas is a colourful new update that brings a stylish flair to the Netherrealm and puts creativity in the... | Read more »
Back When AOL WAS the Internet – The Tou...
In Episode 606 of The TouchArcade Show we kick things off talking about my plans for this weekend, which has resulted in this week’s show being a bit shorter than normal. We also go over some more updates on our Patreon situation, which has been... | Read more »
Creative Assembly's latest mobile p...
The Total War series has been slowly trickling onto mobile, which is a fantastic thing because most, if not all, of them are incredibly great fun. Creative Assembly's latest to get the Feral Interactive treatment into portable form is Total War:... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

Early Black Friday Deal: Apple’s newly upgrad...
Amazon has Apple 13″ MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 16GB of RAM on early Black Friday sale for $200 off MSRP, only $799. Their prices are the lowest currently available for these newly upgraded 13″ M2... Read more
13-inch 8GB M2 MacBook Airs for $749, $250 of...
Best Buy has Apple 13″ MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 8GB of RAM in stock and on sale on their online store for $250 off MSRP. Prices start at $749. Their prices are the lowest currently available for... Read more
Amazon is offering an early Black Friday $100...
Amazon is offering early Black Friday discounts on Apple’s new 2024 WiFi iPad minis ranging up to $100 off MSRP, each with free shipping. These are the lowest prices available for new minis anywhere... Read more
Price Drop! Clearance 14-inch M3 MacBook Pros...
Best Buy is offering a $500 discount on clearance 14″ M3 MacBook Pros on their online store this week with prices available starting at only $1099. Prices valid for online orders only, in-store... Read more
Apple AirPods Pro with USB-C on early Black F...
A couple of Apple retailers are offering $70 (28%) discounts on Apple’s AirPods Pro with USB-C (and hearing aid capabilities) this weekend. These are early AirPods Black Friday discounts if you’re... Read more
Price drop! 13-inch M3 MacBook Airs now avail...
With yesterday’s across-the-board MacBook Air upgrade to 16GB of RAM standard, Apple has dropped prices on clearance 13″ 8GB M3 MacBook Airs, Certified Refurbished, to a new low starting at only $829... Read more
Price drop! Apple 15-inch M3 MacBook Airs now...
With yesterday’s release of 15-inch M3 MacBook Airs with 16GB of RAM standard, Apple has dropped prices on clearance Certified Refurbished 15″ 8GB M3 MacBook Airs to a new low starting at only $999.... Read more
Apple has clearance 15-inch M2 MacBook Airs a...
Apple has clearance, Certified Refurbished, 15″ M2 MacBook Airs now available starting at $929 and ranging up to $410 off original MSRP. These are the cheapest 15″ MacBook Airs for sale today at... Read more
Apple drops prices on 13-inch M2 MacBook Airs...
Apple has dropped prices on 13″ M2 MacBook Airs to a new low of only $749 in their Certified Refurbished store. These are the cheapest M2-powered MacBooks for sale at Apple. Apple’s one-year warranty... Read more
Clearance 13-inch M1 MacBook Airs available a...
Apple has clearance 13″ M1 MacBook Airs, Certified Refurbished, now available for $679 for 8-Core CPU/7-Core GPU/256GB models. Apple’s one-year warranty is included, shipping is free, and each... Read more

Jobs Board

Seasonal Cashier - *Apple* Blossom Mall - J...
Seasonal Cashier - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Read more
Seasonal Fine Jewelry Commission Associate -...
…Fine Jewelry Commission Associate - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) Read more
Seasonal Operations Associate - *Apple* Blo...
Seasonal Operations Associate - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Read more
Hair Stylist - *Apple* Blossom Mall - JCPen...
Hair Stylist - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Blossom Read more
Cashier - *Apple* Blossom Mall - JCPenney (...
Cashier - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Blossom Mall Read more
All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.