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Prototype Tip for the New Book

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Folks,

 

Wanted to get your input on this one.  I'm working on the new Tips and Tricks book and had a concept for how I want to show the information.  The format is basically the same it is now except heavier use of graphics so instead of SHIFT + ALT + [UP or DOWN ARROW] I use pictures instead.  I'm also going to include keyboard mappings if they are different than the default and add mouse commands.  There will also be some graphic to represent the version(s) supported and, finally, a list of related tips.  This is a VERY rough draft but wanted to get folks engaged early on to get your thoughts.

 

Here is the prototype tip that I was thinking of:

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Zero-length box selection

vstipEdit0009

clip_image002 + clip_image004+clip_image006clip_image008

clip_image004[1] +clip_image011

clip_image013

 

Related Tips: vstipEdit0006, vstipEdit0007, vstipEdit0008

 

Let's assume that you have a situation with some variables like the ones below and you want to make them all public:
clip_image015

The answer is a zero-length box selection.  Hold down your ALT key and Left Mouse Button, then drag straight down.  Note the line that is created:
clip_image017

Release the ALT key and the Left Mouse Button.  Now, just start typing:
clip_image019

Bask in the wonder and glory that is the zero-length box selection! :)

Comments

  • Anonymous
    June 01, 2010
    Good idea, but could I suggest having the right or left mouse button highlighted to show which button should be clicked?

  • Anonymous
    June 01, 2010
    Sorry, the above post from "Greg" was mine, I wasn't logged in.

  • Anonymous
    June 01, 2010
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    June 01, 2010
    Pictures are great but keeping the text in the book will make the content searchable.  Sometimes, I mis-remember or fat-finger a keystroke and then try to figure out just what I did.  By keeping the text, I might be have a shot of finding what SHIFT + ALT + UP ARROW Just my $.02

  • Anonymous
    June 01, 2010
    I second Don, and I also think the mouse/keyboard graphics should be half as big (or smaller) as they are now.

  • Anonymous
    June 01, 2010
    I'm with billinkc, maybe provide both (pics and text)

  • Anonymous
    June 01, 2010
    I see we're having issues with the graphic representation on the web. I definitely concur with the idea of a highlight of some sort to indicate the mouse (button) action. I also agree that there needs to be an intuitive 'OR' for the optional items… Are you planning and indexed PDF as well ?

  • Anonymous
    June 01, 2010
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    June 02, 2010
    I am torn... I like it but I worry about space.   On the mouse, mice are configurable Hav you thought of making some sort of VS addin to go with your book for live tips tha you can get to while you code.  maybe a key combo that brings up a window that you can type in a key and see all combos that include that key or that combo AND a way to search.

  • Anonymous
    June 03, 2010
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    June 10, 2010
    The comment has been removed