AirwaySim

General forums => General forum => Topic started by: ali5541 on November 19, 2009, 02:07:35 AM

Title: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 19, 2009, 02:07:35 AM
Hi Everyone,

I have been taking Visual Basic classes at my local college, I have learned quite a bit (mostly basic code and design) but I managed to create an entire (basic) client for this game. Currently, all it does is is open a splash page, right after that, you get a menu with two buttons. One exits the entire client and one starts the "AirwaySim Browser" (that's what I named it ;D)

Now what makes this so special, it opens the AirwaySim site directly (like a homepage), moreover, it won't allow you to surf any other site except the AirwaySim site, hence the keyword, client. Now this Client has no "cache" meaning you should not have any errors playing this game. None of that server loading but nothing appears stuff. But it also won't save your user name and password. This is a really small application, (less the 500kb), yah it's that basic. I hope to be able to program into it a list of features in the future like "Export to Excel" and "Print" (Yah, no print included right now :D) I just wanted to know, is anyone interested in using this piece of software? If yah, I'll try to find a good file host and try to hot link it so you won't have to leave this site for download.

Who knows, if this works out, I'll create a side site for it and we can discuss suggestions and features, anyways. Hope to see some opinions.

Current Version: 0.1.1.0
For those who don't know what it means,
this is a minor release 1, build 1, revision 0

Edit:
Here is the link:
http://airwaysimclient.pcriot.com/ (http://airwaysimclient.pcriot.com/)
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: Riger on November 19, 2009, 02:47:40 AM
I wish I was a programmer .....

I am very much in favour of any mechanism that allows me to capture and sort my aircraft data and route data in excel without having to make big formatting changes.

If you need a tester, I use Win XP and Mac OSX 10.6.2

Best Regards

Richard
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 19, 2009, 09:54:20 AM
Hi Riger,

Thanks for the response, but right now, the client is featureless. It does not have any features rather then direct access to AirwaySim and no cache for less server errors. Would you still like to try it out?
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: Riger on November 19, 2009, 09:58:20 AM
Ali,

Sorry I was not clear.

What I meant to say was...  If and when you want any testing done, I am availalbe.

Best Regards

Richard
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: diskoerekto on November 19, 2009, 11:22:11 AM
Once I join the game (in about a month due to real life issues) I will be happy to test. If you intend to make the project open source, I can help coding too.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: Sami on November 19, 2009, 12:50:23 PM
hmm, so basically you have re-invented a web browser? ;)

We're happy to see some "modding" going on but for the record: such additions will not have any official support, ie. use at own risk, as we cannot know how they work and perform. And further as this always has been a browser based software I don't even see a need for such applications, except for "coding to learn" purposes for personal use like now.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 19, 2009, 07:22:48 PM
Quote from: sami on November 19, 2009, 12:50:23 PM
hmm, so basically you have re-invented a web browser? ;)

We're happy to see some "modding" going on but for the record: such additions will not have any official support, ie. use at own risk, as we cannot know how they work and perform. And further as this always has been a browser based software I don't even see a need for such applications, except for "coding to learn" purposes for personal use like now.

I totally understand. I'm just trying to find some basic hosting for now. I really want to make this a full blown project. This game is awesome and I just want to try and make it awesomer :D
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 20, 2009, 12:45:22 AM
I'm sorry guys, I really am trying, I can't seem to find a host that will allow me to upload an exe file for you guys to download. Anyways, I'll continue my search.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 20, 2009, 01:58:57 AM
Alrighty, I have contracted a small site with some information. Additionally, the links for the download have been setup as well as some basic installation instructions. For those whom wish to test this out, please visit this site:

http://airwaysimclient.pcriot.com/ (http://airwaysimclient.pcriot.com/)

The link is on the download page. I have also place two AirwaySim banners, one of the older versions on the homepage and the new one on the bottom of the Downloads page. Please tell me what you think of this basic version. I'm tired for today, I will continue developing the software tomorrow. Good Night everyone!
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: 0zlw on November 20, 2009, 06:48:07 AM
I'v tried to download but it says downloads are not enabled.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: tim on November 20, 2009, 07:08:13 AM
May be it's time for iPhone client application?  8)
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 20, 2009, 10:21:02 AM
Quote from: 0zlw on November 20, 2009, 06:48:07 AM
I'v tried to download but it says downloads are not enabled.

I can't figure out why >:( After you register (Which I saw you did) can you download it?

Quote from: Tim on November 20, 2009, 07:08:13 AM
May be it's time for iPhone client application?  8)

Good Idea, I'll work on a rough version and I'll see what I can come up with.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 20, 2009, 11:02:44 AM
Ugh, looks like another day of web surfing. I'll try and another host.

btw Tim, I think I may be getting somewhere with making an iPhone app. But right now, I need to find a web host.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: samomuransky on November 20, 2009, 11:41:05 AM
Lol, this iPhone versions are getting funny... I have standard mobile phone and can access almost every web page without problems and comfortably (with Opera Mini) for a years. Then they start selling iPhone with "revolutionary function" of web-browsing and everyone needs special iPhone version or app ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: Jake43 on November 21, 2009, 07:10:14 PM
Quote from: Samo on November 20, 2009, 11:41:05 AM
Lol, this iPhone versions are getting funny... I have standard mobile phone and can access almost every web page without problems and comfortably (with Opera Mini) for a years. Then they start selling iPhone with "revolutionary function" of web-browsing and everyone needs special iPhone version or app ;D ;D ;D

Oh its not that it doesn't work in the iPhones browser... it does. It just is so much easier to have an app for frequently used things like AirwaySim.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: Sami on November 21, 2009, 07:13:38 PM
iPhone app possibility was investigated earlier and it's not possible for the time being. First off it would need a Mac to even get the developer tools .. And further it would need quite a bit of work to make it work as the website what you use to control the airline is not all just "view and click" sort of things but it actually does some of the actual "work" too for the calculations and moving all this to the App would not be easy.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: samomuransky on November 21, 2009, 07:35:59 PM
Quote from: Jake43 on November 21, 2009, 07:10:14 PM
Oh its not that it doesn't work in the iPhones browser... it does. It just is so much easier to have an app for frequently used things like AirwaySim.

It work, but it's not as comfortable as on mobile phone with Opera Mini which optimalize site for display ;)
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: tim on November 21, 2009, 07:46:57 PM
Quote from: sami on November 21, 2009, 07:13:38 PM
iPhone app possibility was investigated earlier and it's not possible for the time being. First off it would need a Mac to even get the developer tools .. And further it would need quite a bit of work to make it work as the website what you use to control the airline is not all just "view and click" sort of things but it actually does some of the actual "work" too for the calculations and moving all this to the App would not be easy.

But, you know, many companies creates iPhone Apps for their projects. For example, Blizzard created WoW Armory client App. I know, they little bit bigger than your company), but anyway many people are using iPhone now and we'll be happy if you'll create special App for it, because, telling the truth, mobile version of AWS is useless.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 21, 2009, 08:00:24 PM
Quote from: sami on November 21, 2009, 07:13:38 PM
iPhone app possibility was investigated earlier and it's not possible for the time being. First off it would need a Mac to even get the developer tools .. And further it would need quite a bit of work to make it work as the website what you use to control the airline is not all just "view and click" sort of things but it actually does some of the actual "work" too for the calculations and moving all this to the App would not be easy.

On the contrary Sami, I am getting some progress done with an application called TopLynx. However, the stop is I need $3,500 USD to buy a publishing license and an other $99 for the developer program for apple. This is where I draw the line though.

For now, I'm going to concentrate on the Client. But first, looking for a good web host.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 22, 2009, 01:34:32 AM
Alright Everyone! I have a guaranteed fully working site with working downloads! Please do comment after trying it out! AGAIN, this is a very basic piece of software.

http://airwaysimclient.pcriot.com/ (http://airwaysimclient.pcriot.com/)
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 22, 2009, 03:06:04 PM
I saw to people had accessed the download, so, any comments? Others, would you like to try it out?
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 22, 2009, 05:09:44 PM
Alright everyone! I have setup the site forums. Please read the home page for more information. The forums include a general talk area were you can talk about anything! Please Enjoy! For now, I would like to continue developing this under develop client. Thanks for all the interest!
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 23, 2009, 12:29:23 AM
Hi everyone, hope your enjoying version 0.1 because I'm releasing version 0.2 tomorrow. Please visit the site for more information. If you don't know the link, see the first post.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: Jake43 on November 23, 2009, 07:29:06 AM
Quote from: Samo on November 21, 2009, 07:35:59 PM
It work, but it's not as comfortable as on mobile phone with Opera Mini which optimalize site for display ;)
Hardly! I would much rather play AirwaySim on my iPhone then my Samsung Omnia which runs Opera Mini. Safari is way better at displaying desktop websites than Opera. The only downside to Safari is no flash.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: 0zlw on November 24, 2009, 02:48:34 AM
Well who here has downloaded V 0.1 or V 0.2?
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 24, 2009, 10:50:23 AM
There are no comments although there was a number of downloads. Do you guys have any comments? Concerns? Lashes?
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 25, 2009, 01:14:50 AM
I have made a major breakthrough with Version 0.3.1.0

I have allowed the client to browse this game in tabs, so you can have the scheduling on one tab, the route planning on another tab, and the forums on a third tab. Plus, the small bug that was in the software. That has been removed.

Version 0.3 is set for release on November 26. For now, please enjoy version 0.2 or 0.1 if you wish to backdrop into the simplest form. Those are available for download on the downloads page. If you would like, please register on the site which takes about 10secs and drop by the forums. Join the community and get the client software earlier by registering.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: MattDell on November 25, 2009, 02:42:26 AM
Quote from: Tim on November 20, 2009, 07:08:13 AM
May be it's time for iPhone client application?  8)

The mobile version of the website was pretty good on the iPhone until sami changed the site layout... he should be focusing on a new one soon for mobile.

-Matt
Title: AirwaySim Client v0.3
Post by: ali5541 on November 25, 2009, 11:20:49 PM
Alright Everyone, Here is an Update!

Version 0.3 (The Most Technologically Advanced of the Three) releases tomorrow. This version will feature tabbed browsing of this site and will debut a new logo for the client. Additionally, this version has no bugs (Unlike that one bug we had in version 0.1 and version 0.2). Information on this client is available on the project site under "Client Information"

If you lost the link or need it, its right here:
http://airwaysimclient.pcriot.com (http://airwaysimclient.pcriot.com)
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: Runner on November 26, 2009, 12:25:51 AM
It doesnt work with Windows 7, or is it just me?
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 26, 2009, 12:44:01 AM
It should... It doesn't? I have windows 7 (although I developed it on Vista)

If it does not work, then I'll find a work around. Can you give me more details?

EDIT: I'm not sure that the Windows OS is the problem. Do you have .NET 4? I think that maybe the issue if you don't have it. However, I will research the problem. I'll launch a few tests on my Windows 7 Desktop and if it is Windows 7, I'll check Microsoft.com for a work around or some package. I'll place up a revision of the client, etc. But for now, check if you have .NET Framework 4
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: Sami on November 26, 2009, 12:59:06 AM
I still really do not see a point for this software. As AWS is and always will be a browser based software - as each computer has a web browser and you do not have to install anything --> you can access AWS anywhere in the world basically, with nearly any computer.

I tested it quickly and I see that it uses IE7 core and that may cause some incompatibility problems later on. IE7 is luckily not so bad as IE6 but has some minor issues too and is luckily replaced with IE8 for most users already (IE8 works and adheres most of the standards nicely already, thanks MS..finally). However can't see why user couldn't browse the game and site with his favourite browser to which he is used to?

According to the feature list the browser caching is disabled because "there will be no server errors" (?).. Which I cannot understand, as that actually increases our server load and especially the bandwidth used as each and every image and other file is loaded again on every page load. Caching is irrelevant to possible breaks in the player's internet connection or slow packet movement between us and player that happens sometimes (teh internets is a large place ;) )

But OK, if I understood - you have some course or class about VB coding but publishing some software straight ahead on that basis is not a good idea in my mind, securitywise for example (you type in credit card numbers at the store for example!). One needs to code to learn but usually learning projects are private  ;)

Anyways, just saying that I am not warming for projects that give no additional value, or are actually against the basic principle of the whole website/sim here. (as like mentioned the concept is that no additional software is needed)
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: Riger on November 26, 2009, 01:49:51 AM
I agree with Sami.

BUT .....   I think your  project would be more valuable to the AWS community if you were working on an offline tool that could take a data file (not yet) generated in AWS and allow the manipulation of data offline regarding aircraft and airway data for planning purposes. (Like some of us do in excel right now).

The result would be the cooperation between yourself and AWS (Sami) to achieve a output file that could be loaded into your program OR ...  perhaps the ability for your program to extract the data from AWS (for the user data only) automatically.


Best Regards

Richard
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on November 26, 2009, 02:09:24 AM
Quote from: sami on November 26, 2009, 12:59:06 AM
I still really do not see a point for this software. As AWS is and always will be a browser based software - as each computer has a web browser and you do not have to install anything --> you can access AWS anywhere in the world basically, with nearly any computer.

I tested it quickly and I see that it uses IE7 core and that may cause some incompatibility problems later on. IE7 is luckily not so bad as IE6 but has some minor issues too and is luckily replaced with IE8 for most users already (IE8 works and adheres most of the standards nicely already, thanks MS..finally). However can't see why user couldn't browse the game and site with his favourite browser to which he is used to?

According to the feature list the browser caching is disabled because "there will be no server errors" (?).. Which I cannot understand, as that actually increases our server load and especially the bandwidth used as each and every image and other file is loaded again on every page load. Caching is irrelevant to possible breaks in the player's internet connection or slow packet movement between us and player that happens sometimes (teh internets is a large place ;) )

But OK, if I understood - you have some course or class about VB coding but publishing some software straight ahead on that basis is not a good idea in my mind, securitywise for example (you type in credit card numbers at the store for example!). One needs to code to learn but usually learning projects are private  ;)

Anyways, just saying that I am not warming for projects that give no additional value, or are actually against the basic principle of the whole website/sim here. (as like mentioned the concept is that no additional software is needed)


I'm sorry you feel so hostile towards the client. I'll get rid of it if you would like.

Quote from: Riger on November 26, 2009, 01:49:51 AM
I agree with Sami.

BUT .....   I think your  project would be more valuable to the AWS community if you were working on an offline tool that could take a data file (not yet) generated in AWS and allow the manipulation of data offline regarding aircraft and airway data for planning purposes. (Like some of us do in excel right now).

The result would be the cooperation between yourself and AWS (Sami) to achieve a output file that could be loaded into your program OR ...  perhaps the ability for your program to extract the data from AWS (for the user data only) automatically.


Best Regards

Richard

I wish I knew how to do it. As stated in the first post, I'm only learning Visual Basic, I'm no expert. It's a great idea but it is not within my ability range.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: Riger on November 26, 2009, 02:52:33 AM
Quote from: ali5541 on November 26, 2009, 02:09:24 AM

I wish I knew how to do it. As stated in the first post, I'm only learning Visual Basic, I'm no expert. It's a great idea but it is not within my ability range.

It's only data.  And if you think the skills are out of your reach, then that is exactly the type of project you need to make you search for solutions and learn to program.

When I tried to take-up programming some years ago, I had no big project to challenge me (Hello World was too easy, but "Hello! find a project" was hard).  I think you should consider a shift in focus, but don't loose the enthusiasm.

Best Regards

Richard
Title: AirwaySim Client v0.3
Post by: ali5541 on November 26, 2009, 06:13:04 PM
Version 0.3 is now available for download. I highly recommend trying this version. I'm excited about what you guys think.
Title: Re: AirwaySim Client
Post by: ali5541 on January 02, 2010, 01:38:54 AM
Sorry Guys, It's Been Such a Long Time (Nearly a Month) since I updated! I'm happy to announce version 1 of the client software. Let me say, I'm so proud of this small software. It took me a while. This version is feature packed. I want people to try this one out please. There are no strings attached and is completely free. I love the features I worked on and want people to try it out. Please do comment after use! Visit the downloads page to download it, thanks!

If you guys don't have the link, its right here:
http://airwaysimclient.pcriot.com