We need a central collaborative repository for plugins and Marionette networks

[MarcU]

Hello everyone. This is actually a call to the headquarter of Vectorworks Inc.

 

As a medium advanced user and marionette-/scripting beginner I would like to make the following suggestion/wish:

 

We need some kind of repository/depot/github kind of platform to share plugin objects / nodes (marionette AND classic vectorscript/python pio's) in a more structured and better searchable way than in this forum. I have  something like the Sketchup ruby library depot in mind. If it had some github-like features, at least some versioning possibilty, it also could be used to collaboratively work on/develop plugins.

 

This could either be a private initiative or - better - a platform set up by Vectorworks. It could even be extended to some kind of app store like AutoDesk has it since years: https://apps.autodesk.com/ to sell more complex 3rd party products.

 

Currently I have to filter all plugins, Marionette networks and knowledge about them out of forum posts and other resources spread all over the internet and youtube. This forum is a good start and great for in-depth programming discussions and developement talk but not for collecting, sharing and browsing ready to use or ready to modify plugins and objects. I am convinced that having such a platform and community would also be a great marketing argument for Vectorworks Inc.

 

What do you guys think about this? Really have a look at the Sketchup-plugin site - woudn't it be great to have something like this for VW? In case this would have to be made on a private basis - does anyone have a suggestion for a web application which would provide the above features?

 

Thanks in advance for any comments or answers!

 

Markus

 

 

UPDATE, only some hours later:

 

Great!: I just received a message from the CEO of Computerworks (the main distributor/customizer for the german Version of VW) that VW Inc. is in fact working on exactly such a global platform which will be released within "only a fiew weeks"! So lets look forward to that! Wonder if someone from VW Inc. could provide us a sneek-peek-screenshot of the new platform here in this forum.

 

 

 

 

Edited January 8, 2017 by SwissMarc

[Hippocode]

+1 

It's a request that has been standing for a long time though

[twk]

+10000 for this too..

 

Also @Dieter @ DWorks has been actively developing a similar thing like this for Python.

Found below on BitBucket:

https://bitbucket.org/dieterdworks/vw-dlibrary/src/f83e15c600a4?at=master

 

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/45527-dlibrary-a-python-library-to-create-plugins-faster-and-with-more-ease/

 

..

Great feedback from ComputerWorks.. yes a sneak peak as to what they have planned would be great. Something like what VrayForC4D does with their development via a roadmap: http://www.vrayforc4d.net/v-rayforc4d-3-4-released/ (scroll right to the bottom for upcoming features). As this would help current/potential developers see whats coming up, what they need to concentrate on etc.

 

@JimWany confirmation from VW North America?

Edited January 8, 2017 by twk

[PVA - Admin]

I think everyone will be pleased with what we have planned!

[MarcU]

Thanks Jim for confirming this. Sounds exciting.

[PVA - Admin]

Apologies for the lack of detail in my last reply, Yes! I agree entirely. I can not share any screenshots at the moment, the Creative team hasn't had the chance to finalize the UI appearance yet so it's too barebones for public eyes, but I can get a bit more detailed. The nature of not only Marionette but any of scripting-related work requires the direct sharing of those scripts and objects in order for users to properly communicate and learn, that need alone merits such a repository. However, I feel additional reasons and needs for creating a resource like this include:

 

1) The ability for non-scripters to find and benefit from the generously shared public works of our growing community.

 

2) A method of versioning so that this repository can also be used as a system of creating resources that can be updated for future versions of the software (Or retired with an explanation as to why and perhaps a link to a successor) without creators or users needing to relocate them each year.

 

3) More self-contained tutorials on how to accomplish various tasks with scripting with all associated files and instructional videos attached in a neat package.

 

4) The eventual (This will NOT be included in the early phases of this project, it requires technologies within Vectorworks itself for rights management that do not currently exist) ability for users to monetize content and build libraries of scripts and objects and nodes that they can profit from if they should so choose. 

 

5) This repository can and should be used for more than just Marionette and other scripting types. It should be a functional replacement for the older Resource Share subforums and allow users to share templates, content libraries and anything else related to Vectorworks that was created by any member of the community.

 

I think this is another key addition that would bolster and encourage even greater community interaction as well as benefitting Vectorworks users across the globe. I am very glad you brought it up as I appreciate any excuse to ramble on about projects that I have invested myself in

[Oachl Kini]

Sounds really nice.. I started using Marionette in November and everytime I change an existing node I think "This is something someone must have encountered before" 

 

Question by my boss: Will there be localized versions/different languages?

[MarcU]

Thanks alot Jim for this verbal "sneek peek" and your thoughts about the coming platform! That allready tells us very much. I can't wait to see the first release. Thanks for keeping us informed once in a while about progress and release-date 

[twk]

Hi Everyone,

 

Maybe this needs to be placed in another sub-forum? (Upcoming Features/RoadMap).

 

Just bumping this thread to find out any other news on this release? @JimW

[PVA - Admin]

If I get more specific on times I feel like I may jinx it! Super soon. It was delayed a bit for a priority project here (unrelated to the forums, our Web team goes where they are needed) but is in progress again now.

[twk]

Haha, ok don't jinx it! I shall check back in 1 month.. hows that for a deadline?..haha

[twk]

Knock knock...  @JimW

[PVA - Admin]

[twk]

I take it that smile means: "I'm going to spill the beans right away! "  

[PVA - Admin]

On 5/8/2017 at 6:04 PM, twk said:

I take it that smile means: "I'm going to spill the beans right away! "  

Ok NOW take a look 

[twk]

This is great.. thanks VW Team.. now looking forward to that script sharing section with similar screenshots..etc..

 

future is less dim now  

[Asemblance]

Hi All,

 

So I was looking for the exact resource being discussed in this thread - i.e. depository for plugins etc.. But I feel like must of missed something here, is there a link to the actual resource? I can't find it! Perhaps I am being dense, anyone able to enlighten me on this??

 

I've had a look through announcements etc also but didn't see anything..

[PVA - Admin]

7 minutes ago, Asemblance said:

Hi All,

 

So I was looking for the exact resource being discussed in this thread - i.e. depository for plugins etc.. But I feel like must of missed something here, is there a link to the actual resource? I can't find it! Perhaps I am being dense, anyone able to enlighten me on this??

 

I've had a look through announcements etc also but didn't see anything..

 

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/files/

Alternatively, click "Marionette" at the top of the forum.

[Asemblance]

Ah I see - Thanks Jim W.

 

I think I have fundamentally misunderstood the word 'plugins' in the title - I was looking for plugins more along the lines of the 'smartpaste' plugin, whereas the 'Marionette' resource there has a slightly different focus.

 

Having said this I do need to get my head around the whole 'marionettes' thing so will have a proper look through!

[PVA - Admin]

10 minutes ago, Asemblance said:

Ah I see - Thanks Jim W.

 

I think I have fundamentally misunderstood the word 'plugins' in the title - I was looking for plugins more along the lines of the 'smartpaste' plugin, whereas the 'Marionette' resource there has a slightly different focus.

 

Having said this I do need to get my head around the whole 'marionettes' thing so will have a proper look through!

For the moment it's only Marionette items, but we plan to expand it to the majority of other resource types, like the more traditional plugins, renderworks textures, symbol libraries etc.

[Asemblance]

Great will look forwards to seeing it expand - it'd be great to see this turn into a fully fledged one stop shop for various types of resources

[Nuno Antunes]

Regarding Marionette,

 

It something that are rely being used by common users, in daily work?

Looking at the Marionette Forum Gallery it looks like there are not so much users/ shares (the majority of shared files are from people from or working for Vectorworks).

 

I confess that I have given a trie (two times) to Marionette, and it is something that we can not rely on. It is not stable, the files with Marionette tends to crash down, to heavy to open (simple structure).

 

There will be some improvements on this field (very promising, but not delivering)?