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Review
RB Garage
Issue: 2.2 (October/November 2003)
Author: Brian Jones
Article Description: No description available.
Article Length (in bytes): 3,621
Starting Page Number: 9
RBD Number: 2204
Resource File(s): None
Related Web Link(s):
http://www.rbgarage.com
Known Limitations: None
Full text of article...
The world of REALbasic-related websites goes through periods of great promise followed by periods of failed potential and inactivity. Let's hope that the recent announcement of the new face of RB Garage will not be followed by just such a period of failed potential. The new facelift includes some improvements in visual and interface design and a few new functionality elements that make RB Garage a great destination for developers looking for REALbasic-related development tools.
9
No description available.
RB Garage is a content driven site that provides a database of links to apps Made with REALbasic, Plugins, Helper Applications, Consultants, Open Source Applications, and Examples. There are sub-categories that provide extra organization, or at least they will once the collection of links is large enough to require it. At the moment, the links available represent a relatively small fraction of the REALbasic development materials available online. The only way to remedy this particular shortcoming, however, is for more developers to be aware of the site and to submit their work to it. The operators behind the site would do well to continue to publicize the site in the various online REALbasic forums. The more information represented here, the more useful the site will become.
The interface of the site presents a very good balance between presenting concise information and complete information. There is enough information on each record to prevent wasted time downloading poorly identified files, but not so much that it interferes with and bogs down the process of quickly browsing a wide range of information and tools.
Other useful aspects of the website's interface include robust searching and sorting features. The site is as easy to use to look up specific information as it is to browse aimlessly. Also, there is a membership function allowing developers to manage their particular listings and to monitor the amount of attention that each of their submissions receives. All submissions are reviewed by the RB Garage staff, so there is a 1 to 3 day delay in posting. Somewhat frustrating for the anxious developer, but a great benefit to the end-user protected from wading through a host of submissions not worth their attention.
One last useful feature is the listing of the most recent submissions, making RB Garage a great destination for keeping abreast of new additions to the REALbasic programmer's toolset.
The inclusion of consultants in the listings provides an interesting touch that can't be found in such an inclusive package elsewhere. Another category that provides a succinct listing of previously dispersed information is the Open Source listing.
RB Garage, with its new update, has the potential to be the best REALbasic-related website around. Let's just hope that the operators stay interested and that the community pays enough attention to provide the site with a more comprehensive listing.
In Brief Product RB Garage Location http://www.rbgarage.com Pros Great Interface, Unique Features Cons Needs More Community Participation Rating (1.0-5.0): 4.9
End of article.
Article copyrighted by REALbasic Developer magazine. All rights reserved.
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