Quick recap
Rony led a comprehensive discussion on the history, functionality, and compatibility of Open Office and LibreOffice, including their development, data types, interface classes, and programming possibilities. He also provided a detailed walkthrough on various features such as accessing documentation, understanding the 'load component from URL' method, using the spreadsheet module, and manipulating drawing module data. Lastly, he shared his experiences and solutions regarding the Open Office library, introduced the Uno Runtime Environment, and encouraged the team to review sample programs for better understanding.
Next steps
Peter to install 64-bit LibreOffice on his Windows machine.
All attendees to review the nutshell examples in the BSF for ooRexx samples directory (subdirectories "ahammer" and "bulga").
All attendees to run the nutshell examples in sequence and study their source code to gain familiarity with OpenOffice/LibreOffice programming.
All attendees to practice using the online OpenOffice/LibreOffice API documentation.
All attendees to experiment with creating and manipulating word processor documents using the demonstrated techniques.
All attendees to practice creating and formatting spreadsheets using the shown examples.
All attendees to try creating business graphics in spreadsheets using the provided code.
All attendees to explore the drawing module capabilities using the given example.
All attendees to experiment with creating presentations and adding bullet points using the demonstrated methods.
All attendees to investigate the spell-checking capabilities of the UNO runtime environment outside of the GUI.
Rony to send this week's meeting summaries to the attendees.
Summary
History and Functionality of Open Office and Libra Office Software Packages
Rony led a comprehensive discussion about the history and functionality of the Open Office and Libra office software packages. He explained the origins of Libra Office, its acquisition by Sun, and subsequent transformation under Oracle, emphasizing the importance of Java in its development. Rony also highlighted the compatibility between OpenOffice and LibreOffice, and their common goal of Microsoft Office compatibility. Additionally, he shared his experience with using Zoom's summary feature and advised Peter, who uses Microsoft Office, to install the 64-bit Libra Office for a better experience.
UNO Model and Open Office Architecture
Rony discussed the advantages and functionality of the Universal Network Object (UNO) model developed by the Germans, highlighting its efficiency and the use of a text file format for class definitions. He also explained the modular structure of Open Office and Libre Office, emphasizing the reuse of tested codes and the role of service classes and managers. Rony further elaborated on the naming conventions for classes and interfaces, the compatibility of various programming languages, and the importance of using the query interface to access methods from interface classes.
C++, Java, and Uno Programming Overview
Rony provided an in-depth overview of the basic data types in C++ and Java, and their significance in understanding and navigating code, particularly in relation to Open Office and LibreOffice. He also discussed the various classes in the Uno programming language, the concept of Uno modules, and the importance of the Uno Singleton class. Rony further highlighted the extensive class library for OpenOffice and LibreOffice, and the resources available on the Open Office Libra Office website, including Java classes for interaction. Lastly, he detailed the installation and support process for OpenOffice and LibreOffice, and shared a link to a well-received student utility related to open office and business programming settings.
Interface Classes and Programming Possibilities
Rony discussed the interface classes within a system, highlighting the importance of documentation and natural examples for understanding the functionality of the 1,422 interface classes out of 2,694. He demonstrated the process of querying an interface in Java, using the Uno class dispatch helper, and suggested ways to simplify the service object. Rony also discussed programming possibilities with Open Office and Libra Office, including the use of a module called 'uno dot cls' and the creation of a 'X desktop' object. He further explained the system's capability to load and save documents from various sources and its potential for interaction and change.
Technical Issue and Recording Session
Rony and Reggie discussed a technical issue related to displaying documents. Rony explained the use of underscore blank to indicate a new window should be opened for the document. Reggie confirmed his understanding of this. Rony also mentioned that he would be away for 10 minutes and would return at 11 local Vienna time. Upon returning, Rony initiated a new recording session.
Open Office Libra Documentation and Functionality
Rony provided a detailed walkthrough on how to access and understand the documentation for the 'load component from URL' method in Open Office Libra. He also explained the functionalities of the Open Office Libre Office web processor module, including its three services and the use of the X text document interface. Rony demonstrated how to create and modify a document, use cursors for text changes, and adjust paragraphs using different styles. Reggie confirmed the availability of the required information on the internet.
Adjusting Paragraphs and Zoom Troubleshooting
Rony experienced technical difficulties with his Zoom session due to his machine being overloaded with software. After resolving the issue, he led a discussion on adjusting paragraphs in a word processor, using the Open Office application as an example. The team also discussed the potential need for a system reboot to stabilize resources. The session concluded with a demonstration of adjusting paragraphs, and a brief break was taken before the next meeting.
OpenOffice Spreadsheet Module Tutorial
Rony led a tutorial on the spreadsheet module in OpenOffice, focusing on its various functionalities and how to interact with it. He explained the concept of tables, the use of the Excel range interface, and how to address cells using different schemes. Rony also demonstrated the creation of a spreadsheet, inserting charts and drawings, and changing the height of a line. He emphasized the importance of using the correct file URI format when storing documents and warned against forgetting passwords. Reggie and Peter were present and contributed to the discussion.
Spreadsheet Data Manipulation and Graphics
Rony demonstrated how to use the X Column Row Range interface to manipulate spreadsheet data, including how to access and modify cell heights and widths. He emphasized the importance of using the integer wrapper class for effective row and column updates. Rony also showed how to use the 'Unota set cell' routine from the 'Uno dot cls' file in Rex to manipulate a spreadsheet, set cell values, format text, and change font weights. Additionally, he explained the process of creating business graphics from data using a natural example, and the challenges he faced in understanding and utilizing the number format system in Open Office LibreOffice.
OpenOffice LibreOffice Drawing Module Overview
Rony presented an in-depth overview of the drawing module available in OpenOffice LibreOffice, demonstrating its usage in creating document collections of draw pages and its reapplication in the presentation module, S. Impress. He emphasized the importance of using the service manager to create instances for the drawings and showed how to set the string value for a rectangle shape and insert a carriage return character for proper line breaks. Rony also discussed the process of creating a presentation with two slides using the 'As Impress' document type, detailing the process of accessing and setting properties of the layout and shapes, and how to insert new pages into the collection. He concluded by mentioning an issue with the formatting of a slide, noting that it was missing the bullets.
Open Office Library Experiences and Solutions
Rony shared his experiences and solutions regarding the Open Office library, including the challenges he faced and how he was aided by a chance encounter with a professional Open Office developer, Christophe. He explained various functionalities such as using the 'add item' function, a utility routine for debugging, and how to enumerate objects in Open Office. Rony also introduced the Uno Runtime Environment (URE) and demonstrated its use, including accessing the spell checker service through the lingo service manager. He encouraged the team to review the sample programs in the Examples directory for better understanding. Reggie sought guidance on finding these samples, which Rony provided.
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