January 30, 1998 5th TDML Conference 1

The Trials & Tribulations of The Trials & Tribulations of Developing Cross-Platform Developing Cross-Platform Multimedia Applications in Multimedia Applications in

Music EducationMusic Education

Dr. Scott D. Lipscomb,

Institute for Music Research

UTSA Division of Music

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Scientific MethodScientific Method

Formulate Question of the Real World Review Literature Design Experiment to Answer Question Gather Data Analyze & Interpret Data Create/Modify Model

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Overview & HistoryOverview & History

Operationally define “cross-platform” My early experiments with software

development– user-friendly GUI– Windows Development tools

Creating cross-platform versions– eventually allow WWW access

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Programming Style: AntiquatedProgramming Style: AntiquatedFOR x = 1 TO UBOUND(UsedDurs!) IF DurCount2(x) < 70 THEN LOCATE x + 6 + z, 1 PRINT LTRIM$(LEFT$(STR$(UsedDurs!(x)), 8)); LOCATE x + 6 + z, 10 PRINT STRING$(DurCount2(x), "*") ELSE LOCATE x + 6 + z, 1 PRINT LTRIM$(LEFT$(STR$(UsedDurs!(x)), 8)); FOR y = 1 TO DurCount2(x) \ 70 LOCATE x + 6 + z, 10 PRINT STRING$(70, "*") z = z + 1 NEXT y LOCATE x + 6 + z, 10 PRINT STRING$(DurCount2(x) MOD 70, "*") END IFNEXT xCALL CenterLine(23, "Would you like a hardcopy? (Y/N)")

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Programming Style: AntiquatedProgramming Style: Antiquated

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ScriptingScripting

Hypercard/Supercard (Mac) Authorware (Mac) Toolbook (PC) Director (Mac/PC)

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Programming:Programming:The Next GenerationThe Next Generation

Visual Basic Visual C++ Visual J++

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Ease of Use & DesignEase of Use & Design

Graphical User Interface– Objects with Properties

User Interaction– Events– Methods

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Software DevelopmentSoftware Development Visual Basic

– Signal– MEDS

Visual C++– Signal

Director– Lingo– Plug-Ins

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ConclusionsConclusions

Visual Basic– relatively easy to learn and use

– not cross-platform

– no easy WWW access (ActiveX)

VC++– steep learning curve

– cross-platform edition adds another level of complexity

– no easy WWW access (ActiveX)

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ConclusionsConclusions

Director– Powerful with the use of Lingo & Plug-Ins

– cross-platform (Mac/PC)

– WWW access with Shockwave

– Limited by built-in functionality

Other possible solutions:– Java

– DHTML

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Contact Information:Contact Information:

Dr. Scott D. LipscombInstitute for Music ResearchUTSA Division of Music6900 N. Loop 1604 WestSan Antonio, TX 78249phone: (210) 458-5334FAX: (210) 458-4381email: lipscomb@lonestar.utsa.eduWWW: http://imr.utsa.edu/~lipscomb