Need some opinions for a GUI editor

[Flamaros]

On Wednesday, 29 May 2013 at 08:49:24 UTC, Paulo Pinto wrote:
> On Tuesday, 28 May 2013 at 21:25:05 UTC, Flamaros wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>> I and a friend are developing a GUI library, and now our 
>> script engine is ready to start a prototype (but far to be 
>> finished). We think to try to create a GUI editor based on our 
>> library.
>> In this way, we'll see which features are need.
>>
>> My concern is about how the editor have to works, we see two 
>> different ways to do it :
>> 1) Classic editor external to the user applications
>> a) Good :
>>    - Lightweight (easy to deploy and test)
>>    - No need to modify application code
>>    - Stable due to isolation of application
>>    - Real-time edition but limited on one view (bad to preview 
>> menus transitions)
>> b) Bad :
>>    - Limited, plugins needed to extend editor components and 
>> his knowledge of application (can't predict size of unknown 
>> application specific items)
>>
>> 2) Integrated editor (launch with the user application in a 
>> second Window)
>> a) Good :
>>    - Preview is the final result with real data
>>    - All application components accessible to the editor 
>> without complex plugin system (in this way all editors 
>> components will be well placed in the preview)
>>    - Full real-time edition (can preview menus transitions,...)
>>    - User can customize the editor
>> b) Bad :
>>    - Intrusive in the application code
>>    - Force the user to port application on a desktop OS 
>> (Linux, Mac or Windows), not friendly if he target only 
>> embedded devices (can be bypassed with a remote system)
>>    - Less stable editor?
>>
>> The second solution is commonly used in the video game 
>> industry, but is the best choice for a larger usage?
>>
>> What do you think about?
>
> I always hold Delphi and C++ Builder as examples of a what a 
> good UI editor should offer.
>
> Currently Blend + VS are also another good examples for proper 
> tooling for making good UIs.
>
> --
> Paulo

It seems Blend can directly run on top of the application. Are 
you using this feature?