New mac dock like application in production.

[blazingamer]

Hello, I've been working with the rmxp scripting for a tad bit, but I want to do something a bit harder. I want to make a full blown application for windows (and possibly linux) in ruby.

It's supposed to be a verticle menu on the side of the screen that shows 5 shortcuts.

Top, bottom = smallest icon,
middle top/bottom = normal sized icon,
middle = large icon.

I want it so you can also add applications to it with an easy to use interface. So it could have things like My computer, some random folder, maybe a game or two on the list, then use arrow buttons on the top to scroll up through the list and on on the bottom to scroll down through the list. It's pretty much the quick commands list or the dock but with a different twist to it.

The thing I'm having trouble with is making it so the buttons would work when you click on them and the icons would act like shortcut. I'm still new to ruby so this might be basic for some but to me its hard. So I'm currently looking for help or advice on how to make this program.

When it is complete I plan on posting it here and maybe some other places so everyone can try it.

 

[Tohsaka]

wxWidgets. You'll want to use that.

 

[blazingamer]

okay, now how would I implement those features into a program, see that's what I really want to know how to do.

 

[Tohsaka]

wxWidgets is the lib for Ruby that allows you to create windows...etc.

 

[blazingamer]

okay, so how would I make it so that I could drag something onto it and it will so the icon and link to the program like a shortcut.

 

[blazingamer]

Eh, I'm lost, can anyone help me?

 

[AdamSmith]

Did you particularly want to code this yourself? Because if not, there are already programs for Windows which simulate Macs Docking Station.
http://www.osx-e.com/downloads/docks
You can even have Stacks like the new OSX Leopard
http://www.osx-e.com/downloads/docks/leopard_stacks_for_kk_menu.html

Check out http://www.stardock.com/ too, they have heaps of cool stuff windows.

 

[blazingamer]

No, I don't want a mac dock replica, I want something like the mac dock, but totally different. It looks like the mac dock, but on the right hand side of the screen and has 5 shortcuts showing at a time and you can hover your mouse over the arrows on it and it will scroll through the shortcuts.

Note: I have stardock already, that's what gave me this idea to make my own, but with a twist.