Making Music with Eclipse RCP
December 18th, 2008 | Published in Applications, Rich Client Platform | 3 Comments
I’m always on the lookout for Eclipse Rich Client Platform applications that push boundaries. RCP is much too often associated with the Eclipse IDE itself, and this leads us to think that RCP applications need to be IDE-like. But there are many more uses to which RCP can be put, and I think we’re still only beginning to scratch the surface.
For example, check out Neck Diagrams (nice web site, by the way!), an RCP application that allows guitarists to create chord boxes and neck diagrams using a visual editor. I’m not much of a musician myself, but this seems like a great tool. What I really like, though, is how this program stretches the idea of what we think of as an “RCP application”.
This is also a great example of software created by a single developer. I love that RCP makes it possible for a solo developer to realize their vision and bring a product to market quickly.
If you’re interested in seeing this software in action, check out the screencast.
Patrick on the RCP Panel at EclipseCon
December 18th, 2008 at 9:15 pm (#)
That’s awesome! I love the big giveaway that it’s an RCP app due to the “sample icon” :)
The screencast was classic… love the music!
I think we should nominate the guy for an Eclipse Community award!
December 18th, 2008 at 9:35 pm (#)
Hi Chris,
I agree about the Eclipse Community award, though is it an issue that the product is still in beta? I can try to submit something in the next few days, or feel free to do it yourself if you like!
— Patrick
December 19th, 2008 at 9:56 am (#)
LOL yes the trusty “sample icon” is still there! I’ve still got some tidying up to do as you’ve spotted.. I’m implementing my last main feature (scale & mode generation) so hoping to be ready around the New Year but I realised long ago that timescales are pretty irrelevant to the 1 person uISV doing this as a 2nd job!
I thought a Spinal Tap-esque screencast would only be appropriate.. completely intentional of course ;) Ah and the music is “All In Your Head” off the GHS3 album (Gambale, Hamm, Smith) http://www.guitar9.com/ghs3.html – actually a great record – going jazzy was the obvious choice!
Justin