gtk-databindings work blog and ramblings

currently I’m working on Gtk.DataBingingsInterface which is…

simple interface which enables any kind of data binding to plug into ordinary gtk widgets. plan is very simple (one of the reasons for that is that I plan to provide streming MVC after 2.1 is out):
- allow different databinding solutions to be used in the same form as soon as developer references them without need to use special widgets, this provides integration of data bindings into already finished product and also provides place where other data binding engine can plug in
- allow developer to interact with (all plugged) databindings without need for specifics
- not one line in gtk-sharp is needed

plan in effect is something like this (these commands are Gtk.DataBindings specific):

Gtk.TreeView myTreeView;

myEntry.Bind (selecteditem, “Name”);
or
myEntry.SetDataSource (a);
myEntry.SetMappings (”Name”);

this code will simply fill up treeview with data (and create columns). and code:

Adaptor a = myTreeView,GetCurrentSelection();

is returning adaptor reference which will follow selection in treeview. as soon as next item is selected entry will start pointing on that one.

common api on the other hand only enables user to control data flow over all connections to specific widget: Freeze(), Thaw(), Start(), Stop(), Disconnect()

myWidget.DataBinding().Freeze();

this looks rather nice and simple

One of my biggest goals for data bindings was writing a book about it. How to use and how simple it is. Book is finally progressing and I won’t release 2.0 until it is finished.
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

And so on… This is just a base for finished product which will follow after 2.0. But having some at least basic documentation about it would be nice for 2.0

Since this is WIP (work in progress). Best way to work with this library is to
- Update library from svn
- Add projects System.Data.Bindings and gtk-databind-lib to your solution
- Reference your solution to those two projects and that is it

Now, you can freely update it from svn and your own project will reflect changes asap.