[Tool] XMD - eXtended Make Directory 1.0.2

[Sombra]

Hello to all!

The Introduction:

The main idea of this tool was started at the first quarter of 2007. This tool was the evolution of a different program "alternative F7" winch was posted in this thread ( http://www.ghisler.ch/board/viewtopic.php?t=15099 ) as a suggestion for make directories in opposite panel with TotalCmd. This never was released officially to the public (only to a few Spanish user)
Recently was suggested in TC forum a method for make sequential directories, as consequence the interface of XMD was translated to the English language and published now here. Hoping that such tool can be useful for some TC users.
The tool not only allow make batch directories, also have many more functions and can be integrated with Total Commander for handle directories in source and target panel.

Overview:

XMD is a multi purpose tool for make directories (folders) in different ways: It allow create several directories (or subdirectories) in one operation, directories with names stored in a text file or from clipboard, sequential directories, also is possible to use predefined variables (for time and misc).
A full list of features can be read here: http://www.breto.net/programas/xmd/


How integrate XMD with Total commander:
For do it, you can make a new extended command (em_xyz) or also add "XMD" as a button in the tool bar.

Steps for make the extended command:

• Type in command line of TC the next: cm_CommandBrowser
• Select in left list usercmd.ini
• Press button [New]
• Choose a name for the new extended command: em_XMD
• Fill the fileds as is shown in the example image bellow. (Replace the path with the real location in your disk to XMD.exe) - Important! Leave empty the field "Start path"

Note: If you make an extended command, then you can assign a combination of keys in Total Commander. Configuration > Options > Misc. > Redefine hotkeys

Look the example image with parameters here: http://www.breto.net/programas/xmd/img/tc-integration.png

Parameters used:
%O Suggested name for make directory.
/T: Enable the Total commander mode in "XMD" and pass the name of target dir with parameter %T
Note: When mode TC is enabled with /T: an option in XMD program will be available for open new folder in a new tab.

ShortCuts in TC mode

• ENTER: Make folder(s) in current panel.
• SHIFT+ENTER: Make folders in target panel.
• CTRL+ENTER: Make directory an open directory directly.
• CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER: Make directory in opposite panel and open it directly.

Right mouse button in [OK]
One RIGHT click in OK button will make directory in target panel by default. This behaviour can be changed in xmd.ini configuration file. (usually in "LOCAL APPDATA" directory) copy xmd.ini to xmd folder for convert the program in portable.

The next values can be configured in xmd.ini for define the action for mouse in Total commander mode.

• [MouseTC]
  LMB_Action=0 ; Configuration for Left mouse button
  0: Button OK make directory (by default)
  2: Button OK make directory and open in active panel.
  
  RMB_Action=1 ; Configuration for Right mouse button
  0: Disabled.
  1: Make directory in opposite panel (by default).
  2: Make directory and change to it directly.
  3: Make directory in target (opposite) panel and open directory.

Some examples:
Parameters: "%O" /T:"%T" /L:%F
Make a list of directories in target panel with names selected in source panel.

Parameters: /B
Open the tool for make sequential directories (batch mode).

Parameters: %C Make folder from names in clipboard


Version 1.0.2 (19/12/2009)
Download: http://www.breto.net/programas/xmd/files/xmd_1.0.2.zip
Full history: http://www.breto.net/programas/xmd/history.txt
Screenshot: http://www.breto.net/programas/xmd/img/xmd-screenshot/main-screen-menu.png

Enjoy it

[fenix_productions]

2Sombra
Is it possible to create template which will append the date to current name?

I know I can write the name down and use %Y.%N.%D but I would rather see the date added only (name is pre-filled already at startup). Simply spoken: %f parameter could be handy.

[Boofo]

Will there be an English help file forthcoming?

[Peter]

Hello Sombra

thanks for the tool - I started to test it.

Here are my first remarks and suggestions:

- The default ini-file should be moved from c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Xmd\ to c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\XMD or - maybe be - to c:\Documents and Settings\MY_LOGIN\Application Data\XMD. The current position of the file is "to high", and maybe not "personal" enough.

- The dialouges for *Names from file" and "Batch directories" display the current folder. The place is too small for long path - maybe you can make it longer or right aligned or make the dialogue sizeable.

- You could save the position of the dialogues in the ini file.

- Is it right that the software can be used as "standalone" in MS Explorer?

- The field were the content of the loaded textfile is displayed should be editable.

- The batch directory could check and report the plausibility of the entries: Start at "20" and end at "10" could be prevented.

- Will it be possible to save "batch settings"?

- Batch settings with letters ( start at "c", end at "l")??

- Drawing order of the dialogues: The sub-dialogues (file and batch) lies above the main dialogue. If I change the focus to another window XMD will be covered, and I can not go back to the sub-dialogue when I set the focus to XMD. I have to minmize all covering windows.

- Is it possible to combine "user-defined-values" and "values from file"? I mean that I define a file with "-sales/-test /-evaluation/-export", and if I enter my user-defined-value "Projekt A", the sofware creates "Projekt A-sales / Projekt A - evaluation / Projekt A - test / ..."

- Please add a kind of "statusbar" or "report field" which reports what the last "OK" has really done.

- Behind the word "Preview" appears a changing number - what is it good for?

- Please add a "Refresh TC panel - command" to display the current created folders in TC.

- The dialogue to "*Select working directory" forces the user to click a long way. Is there a dialogue which offers an edit box to paste in a path from Clipboard?

Regards

Peter

[fenix_productions]

- The default ini-file should be moved from c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Xmd\ to c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\XMD or - maybe be - to c:\Documents and Settings\MY_LOGIN\Application Data\XMD. The current position of the file is "to high", and maybe not "personal" enough.

I might not see something but I think you can use it in XMD directory too. I've just copied INI from Application Data and it seems to work.

[Peter]

I might not see something but I think you can use it in XMD directory too. I've just copied INI from Application Data and it seems to work.

Yes, you can move it. But the default configuration should be in a well used structure.

Peter

[Sombra]

Hello

2fenix_productions

Simply spoken: %f parameter could be handy.

It is a good idea. I will add it.

2Boofo
Yes, I'll try it. (but as my signature statement, It will be in a lame English)

2Peter
Wow, impressive review, thanks.

The default ini-file should be moved...

Hmm... Initially I set this location for works in windows Vista and avoid problems with limited user accounts. I'll try to add locations for current user and for all users. It would be enough?

- The dialouges for *Names from file" and "Batch directories" display the current folder. The place is too small for long path - maybe you can make it longer or right aligned or make the dialogue sizeable.

The dialogue to "*Select working directory" forces the user to click a long way. Is there a dialogue which offers an edit box to paste in a path from Clipboard?

Yes, it is a bit annoying sorry, but in this way I can be sure that working dir is set to a correct location. I'll think how modify this (perhaps with a field and a button to the right with ellipsis as is suggested...

Is it right that the software can be used as "standalone" in MS Explorer?

Currently an option appears in context menu for files and directories, for get the suggested name. I tried add it to the context menu "new" but I had problems because a zero file always was created. I don't know how do it.

You could save the position of the dialogues in the ini file.

hmm... Perhaps for a late version.

The field were the content of the loaded textfile is displayed should be editable.

Good idea. I think that could be done for the next release.

The batch directory could check and report the plausibility of the entries: Start at "20" and end at "10" could be prevented.

It is by design. Imagine a scenario where you wish the first number at 20 and the end to 10 with a step by 3.

Will it be possible to save "batch settings"?

Would be enough a checkbox with the text "autosave"? or better... save settings always by default?

Batch settings with letters ( start at "c", end at "l")??

Perhaps for a late version.

The sub-dialogues (file and batch) lies above the main dialogue. If I change the focus to another window XMD will be covered, and I can not go back to the sub-dialogue when I set the focus to XMD. I have to minmize all covering windows.

Hmmm... sorry I don't understand that you mean. Here the dialog is shown with I back to XMD with ALT+TAB or pressing in taskbar.

Is it possible to combine "user-defined-values" and "values from file"?

It is a good idea too. How many "user-defined-values would be necessary? 1, 2.. Perhaps with only one could be enough?

- Behind the word "Preview" appears a changing number - what is it good for?

It indicate the length of directory.

- Please add a "Refresh TC panel - command" to display the current created folders in TC.

Meanwhile use the built-in function in TC for auto-refresh please.

There are a lot of suggestion, I can NOT promise do all for next release, but I'll try add some of they.

Thanks to all for the feedback

[Peter]

Hello sombra,

thanks for the "Ok - will be added" remarks

The default ini-file should be moved...

Hmm... Initially I set this location for works in windows Vista and avoid problems with limited user accounts. I'll try to add locations for current user and for all users. It would be enough?

It should be under "Application data / Anwendungsdaten (german) / ...)" - special folder CSIDL_LOCAL_APPDATA (??)

- The dialouges for *Names from file" and "Batch directories" display the current folder. The place is too small for long path - maybe you can make it longer or right aligned or make the dialogue sizeable.

The dialogue to "*Select working directory" forces the user to click a long way. Is there a dialogue which offers an edit box to paste in a path from Clipboard?

Yes, it is a bit annoying sorry, but in this way I can be sure that working dir is set to a correct location. I'll think how modify this (perhaps with a field and a button to the right with ellipsis as is suggested...

That should be OK.

The batch directory could check and report the plausibility of the entries: Start at "20" and end at "10" could be prevented.

It is by design. Imagine a scenario where you wish the first number at 20 and the end to 10 with a step by 3.

This is what i tried with "Step: -3" - and got an error. Decreasing folder-numbers are really very special - isn't it?

Will it be possible to save "batch settings"?

Would be enough a checkbox with the text "autosave"? or better... save settings always by default?

I think that the same feature as in the main menu (add settings; display them) will be fine.

The sub-dialogues (file and batch) lies above the main dialogue. If I change the focus to another window XMD will be covered, and I can not go back to the sub-dialogue when I set the focus to XMD. I have to minmize all covering windows.

Hmmm... sorry I don't understand that you mean. Here the dialog is shown with I back to XMD with ALT+TAB or pressing in taskbar.

Open the "batch dialogue" - press task bar to maximize another program - press task bar to open XMD - the main dialogue is displayed, not the hidden batch-dialogue.

Is it possible to combine "user-defined-values" and "values from file"?

It is a good idea too. How many "user-defined-values would be necessary? 1, 2.. Perhaps with only one could be enough?

Maybe the best way is to adapt the batch dialogue: Use the user-defined-prefix and suffix, but instead the dynamic-creation use "read from file".

Please add a kind of "statusbar" or "report field" which reports what the last "OK" has really done.

What to you think about this suggestion?

Peter

[Boofo]

2Boofo
Yes, I'll try it. (but as my signature statement, It will be in a lame English)

If you need some help with the English tanslation, let me know after you get a rough draft and I will help clean it up.

[Jordi]

If you need some help with the English tanslation

English? Really? (SCNR)

[Boofo]

2Jordi,

American English then.

What is SCNR?

[StickyNomad]

2Boofo
SCNR = 'Sorry, could not resist'
See http://www.acronymfinder.com/SCNR.html

[Jordi]

American English then.

Same thing for me. I'm sure that Sombra will be very happy with your help.

[Boofo]

If you need some help with the English tanslation

English? Really? (SCNR)

2Jordi
Good one!

2StickyNomad
Ahh, OK, thanks. I was thinking along the lines of "Social <something> <somewthing> Reject", which I have been called a time or two over the years (most notably by the ex).

[Sombra]

Hellos,

2Peter

It should be under "Application data / Anwendungsdaten (german) / ...)" - special folder CSIDL_LOCAL_APPDATA (??)

Ok, then I will change to this location by default.

This is what i tried with "Step: -3" - and got an error. Decreasing folder-numbers are really very special - isn't it?

hmmm... the minus sign is not allowed in the step field, Did you paste such value? I can't get any error starting at 20, end to 0 and step by 3.

I think that the same feature as in the main menu (add settings; display them) will be fine.

OK, I will add template options for batch dirs.

Please add a kind of "statusbar" or "report field" which reports what the last "OK" has really done.

What to you think about this suggestion?

Do you mean add a message box that show X directories created or so?

2Boofo

If you need some help with the English tanslation, let me know after you get a rough draft and I will help clean it up.

Thank you very much for your offer . I really don't want it to be a nuisance, but If you are interested... Should I contact by email for send the source html files? or perhaps the plain text files? a different way?

Thanks for suggestions and reports.