Our four-months project is finished: we have completely rewritten Jitbit Macro Recorder to the .NET platform. It's a HUGE amount of work done. It seemed unbelievable, absolutely unachievable when we started it... But here we are. It's been published on our website and it works. Even on our old XP-based test computers.
What's so great about the new version?
Why, there are several huge advantages:
1. The "ClickOnce" technology - Microsoft's deployment framework that enables the user to install and run an application by simply clicking a link in a web page. It even has a built-in auto-update feature. Which means - critical fixes and improvements reach Macro Recorder users faster. It works almost like in a web-application: we release a fix - all users get it instantly.
2. The .NET Framework - I'm so tired of C++ and VB6... Yes, I know, C++ is "cool". But I'm tired, sorry. The .NET framework makes the development process amazingly fast. Adding new features and releasing updates for the Macro Recorder has never been easier for developers. And - we made the application compatible with .NET version 2.0, which makes it compatible even with the oldest Windows computers.
3. Code-signature - the application is now "signed" with a security certificate from Comodo. Which means - no scary "untrusted publisher" boxes when a user installs our application, no false alarms from antiviruses and firewalls.
Oh, don't get me started on this! Comodo (the certification authority) has been pestering me for weeks. They asked for my phone bills, they asked for copies of all documents possible, written signatures, bank account statements, utility contracts, address verifications... They called my cell phone and my landline number to verify we exist. In the middle of the night, of course, since I'm not in the US (I actually had to tell them how to dial outside the US: "dial 011..."). It took me dozens of emails, 5 lengthy support tickets, faxes... But it was totally worth it. Now I have that magic certificate that tells our users "those guys are real, relax and run the installer".4. Lots and lots of minor fixes throughout the application.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed cause I've never been that scared in the history of Jitbit Software. Jitbit Macro Recorder is dead, ladies and gentlemen. Long live Jitbit Macro Recorder!
6 comments:
I'm sorry to say but this version came with a lot of new bugs. Running it 2 hours now and already submitted 5 bug reports. I always worked so well, what happened after the last 2 releases.
Two of the bug you've submitted (the mouse recording settings saving and playback speed) have already been FIX and the program will update itself after you restart it (see, thats what I meant about version upgrading and fast development). The other bugs are specific to your computer, we'll resolve them (see our responses in the ticket you created)
I submitted some more that are not related to my computer and should have been fixed and noticed by beta testers before final release. For example the TYPE TEXT command which will not type any command but only paste what is in memory. Such a basic feature should have been tested before initial release in my opinion.
Nevertheless the support I get is friendly and professional. Hoping to see the problems fixed soon.
First, let me say I've used the new engine, created 3 or 4 scripts and it's worked flawlessly. The engine feels tight, efficient, and I've not run into a single bug. :) The only difference I've noticed is when stopping a recording, Macro Recorder stays hidden in the background. Again, I don't think it's a bug just a different behaviour.
Second, a few months back I asked for the "Type Text" to be like Anonymous mentioned. Maybe an option to flat-out paste and then another to actually "fast type" out characters (instead of paste the whole clipboard).
It would be helpful in situations where you normally have to fast type in certain windows/programs to apply the focus to desired text objects.
If I could get Macro Recorder to fast type out whatever is on the clipboard I'd be in heaven... but it was actually a pretty abstract request though and I completely understand not wanting to implement every person's abstract ideas and all the potential bugs that can come along with them.
Just wanted to re-mention it here in case there's others asking for it too.
Third, I love both of the two additions you did put in for me... the "clear clipboard" command and the "minimum delay constraint". I use these all the time! I've shown off and bragged about the Macro Recorder to a few tech friends I work with and pointed out the additions like a proud father. :) Your Software Service and Support supersedes all others, no contest.
Thanks again,
Joshua
is there any way to try the new macro recorder without reinstalling win7...
my old demo version 4.xx crashed on me while getting pixel info in 100ms loops and crashed completly after 60ish repeats from 3-4 pixelchecks so i didnt bother getting the license now i would like to get the new version 5.xx and test my script's but i dont want to reinstall win 7 for it..and the program asks me to register or close only..
btw pls add an "if not pixel" statement :D
aion keeps bugging me with new color codes after each launch for the same coords..
Warbeast - of course! Just remove the old one and install 5.x, should work fine.
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