Did some testing with the last version and it does everything I wanted (except for the name search not working).
Thanks, happy to hear it's already of some use. I've still got a lot of work to do to make it a stable, user friendly app. And then to make a web version afterwards. But, even in its current state, I'm finding it fun to play with
What is the deal with the rom search? Is more of a PITA because you're searching for something that's not uniform and already in the database?
I think we also need a game name search field.
Yeah, sorry, it's work in progress. There are a few search fields that need support added. In this particular case, freeform text doesn't follow the pattern laid out by all those drop-lists, and needs special handling. As there is no real database right now, I can't just paste together some SQL (or the like) to make it happen easily. I'm also not sure what fields to search for the given text.
I'm also working on improved configurability (such as how to handle "resolution" and then update existing UI components if you change the setting, which fields to show in a search result table, etc). And I'm starting to add images - I really miss those, need me my screen shots
Plus, I've roughed in the ability to run more flexible searches. Instead of just "it must match all criteria below" I'm working on the ability to AND and OR anything together, with multiple selections. So you could, for example, request "any game published after 1983, OR made by any of Atari, Namco, Konami OR more than two players with stereo sound". Then, you can save the search criteria and give it a name.
One other nitpicky thing. The default window dimensions extend below my monitor viewing area on both my home and work computer.
If I maximize the window all is good, but it would be nice if I could grab the lower corner of the window and resize it. I can't because it's off the bottom of the screen.
Sorry, I guess I set default dimensions to make good use of the monitor I use (1920x1200) - easy fix - I'll make it more dynamic based on current screen res. Please don't hesitate to pick nits - it's the only way to make it better. Not to mention, I'm coding it on my mac, and haven't seen it run anywhere else, so if something looks odd, or behaves funny, I'd love to hear about it. (It's Java, so yes, it will run on your linux box, your rack mount AIX box, and maybe even your cell phone)
...The ability to output a text file of the rom names in the list generated, preferably with one per line...
...The ability to output filtered lists ...
Sounds like various forms of output are wanted. How about an "export" feature - pick the output format (csv, plain text, various front-end formats), and depending on target format, I can provide a means to select which fields will be written out (n/a for front-ends I assume). That should cover a lot of bases I think. I don't want to infringe upon the strengths of other great apps out there, and in the short term will focus primarily on the search aspects, which is, I think, what we are all missing in the absence of MAWS. However, I can imagine there are things one may want to do with the results of a search/filter, and will build up my to-do list around that as well.
...custom meta data fields...
Custom meta-data - great idea. I can see providing a means to define these (give the field a name), include it in the deluxe search, etc.