Basic rule for inventions, genomes and languages:
The original version starts with all the needed features. Over time as it branches into different subtypes for different purposes, it simplifies and loses features.
While grinding through my courseware data files to insert alt-text for screen readers, I’m bumping into a few vestigial leftovers of a MUCH earlier, more complex and more FUN version. These old functions weren’t causing any bugs in the later ‘engine’ because they weren’t being called, but they were still sitting there in the files.
I didn’t remember the purpose of this vestige, so I dug out the old original installation CD to see if it would still run. The old CD was dated 2004, copyrighted by a publisher that’s long gone now. Surprisingly the old Eset** installer ran easily and the old 32-bit program also functions properly in Win 11 without any compatibility tweaks. The text and images are badly proportioned now because the code was written before Windows had adjustable aspects and sizes. It simply occupies the full screen regardless of aspect.
After I saw the code in action I remembered building the feature. Each slider moves one set of muscles to shape the lips. You could hit the Show button for each muscle to highlight it on the ugly line drawing. It was fun to program and it’s still fun to use. Later the NYC publisher made me drop the feature. I think the sliders didn’t work right on some computers, or else NYC just didn’t like fun.
= = = = =
** Eset started out by making nice smooth installers with a cute interface. The NYC publisher also objected to the cuteness, so I had to switch to a clumsier but more “serious” installer. Eset later expanded into “Enterprise Cybersecurity”, no longer having fun.
Polistra's Mill 