Astra Tutorial
From TrillWiki
[edit] Skinning Trillian Astra
Trillian Astra has seen the introduction of a wide range of new functionality to the SkinXML skinning language.
Notable additions to the skinning language in Trillian Astra are:
- On the fly Skin Switching.
- Theming and Colors.
- A whole lot of code optimizations.
- More details can be found here: Astra Skins
Besides all of these, the major change to the skinning language is the introduction of the Custom Window skin. A Custom Window skin is a way for anyone with enough determination to skin a single Trillian window. So instead of needing to create a fully functional skin (which can makes weeks or months to create) you can work on just one window.
It’s a lot less work, and in the end what you end up learning when making a Custom Window skin, can be used in creating a complete skin.
[edit] Skinning Methods
There are currently 3 ways in which you can skin Astra, all of which have varying degrees of complexity.
The 3 options are:
- Stixe (full skins)
- SkinXML (full skins)
- Custom Windows (one window)
Stixe skins are full skins, but in a simplified manner. You're basically modifying/replacing exiting graphics and changing a few settings here and there and end up with a new look to Astra. Your layout will mirror (to a certain degree) all other stixe skins. This is probably the easiest way to make a full skin
SkinXML is basically creating a skin from the ground up. You need to code it all in XML and it can be a long and difficult process. The advantage is you have full control of just about everything. You can use any layout and put things in any location.
Custom Windows is a "shrunken down" version of the above. Instead of having to skin every aspect of the interface, you can choose to skin just one window type (in most cases, the contact list). It still requires a knowledge of SkinXML and is a good introductory to creating a full skin.
If you're planning on making a skin, you need to decide whether you wish to have a variation of what is currently around in other Stixe skins, or whether you want something with a bit more freedom.
[edit] The Tutorials
This tutorial differs from other tutorials in that you will be supplied with a fully working skin, and you will be given projects (some simple, some harder) where you will perform certain tasks, and in the process learn how to skin.
The reason for doing it this way is simplicity. I personally learnt 90% of what I know simply by looking at and modifying existing code.
- A Simple Custom Window Skin ⊂IN DEVELOPMENT⊃
Create your first Trillian Astra Custom Window skin! It's simple and it won't take you very long at all!
- A More Complex Custom Window Skin ⊂BEING REWRITTEN⊃
You've mastered the simple custom window skin, now let's build upon it, adding more flexibility and functionality!
- A Complete Skin ⊂BEING REWRITTEN⊃
Now it's time to put everything you learnt to use in a complete skin!
