Comments on: National-specific models: so long

By: Sergey Udaltsov

Sergey Udaltsov — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:45:26 +0000

Roger: I currently see only abnt2 (which is default) variant for Brazil. It will remain the same, no changes at all. US layout are not affected.

By: Roger

Roger — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:08:16 +0000

Hi Sergey,
Here in Brazil I believe the most important layouts are as follows:

- ABNT2: by far the most common these days. It was adopted even by laptop makers, which used to offer only laptops with US International keyboard layouts;

- ABNT: was somewhat common but ABNT2 turned out to be way more popular and pervasive, I have seen very little of ABNT for the last few years;

- US International: the de facto standard until maybe the year 2000, it used to be very common and you’ll probably have no trouble finding one if you try to shop for it in Brazil these days, though ABNT2 is currently your best bet.

As a fellow programmer and Linux user (although I’m typing these words under Windows), I certainly sympathize with your effort to try and simplify things, but I have question: with the changes you did, will I still be able to switch between ABNT and ABNT2 as easily as I can today? Cheers,

Roger

By: Sergey Udaltsov

Sergey Udaltsov — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:04 +0000

To make it more maintainable and consistent, with minimal loss of functionality. When I see the code which adds ~0 value, just taking some space – I am removing it. That’s why I am asking here – if there is any value in national-specific models.

There is more serious issue with national-specific models. Users are frustrated – they are not sure whether they should use generic or national-specific models with corresponding national layouts (or, alternatively – what would happen if they choose national-specific model with the layout of some other country). I want models to be totally national-neutral, if possible – to reduce the confusion.

Hopefully I’ve answered your question.

By: blueget

blueget — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 19:09:21 +0000

Why exactly do you remove functionality? Can you explain that to me, because I don’t see the point in it…

By: Sergey Udaltsov

Sergey Udaltsov — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:44:08 +0000

Craig: yes of course. Look at the GNOME’s layout chooser – it uses the geometry

xkun: because it might affect people who’re using these features.

By: xkun

xkun — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:41:34 +0000

Why is removal of features an important thing?

By: Craig

Craig — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:40:53 +0000

Hey – I was thinking about a “typing tutor” with realistic keyboard layouts (ie – learning to type on a laptop should reflect the unique keyboard layout / perhaps this exists…)

Could these geometries be used for such an application?