Proposal: An Xfce C++ language binding for GTK+

[Jeff Franks]

Proposal: An Xfce C++ language binding for GTK+
From: Jeff Franks.
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To Xfce4 Developers,

I have a proposal I have been thinking about making to you for some 
time. I would like to offer you an Xfce C++ language binding for GTK+, 
if you are interested. There have been vague mentions in the past of 
extending Xfce to become a development platform. The latest was in 
benedikt's webblog dated 2/2/2004. I am not proposing you rewrite Xfce 
in C++. What I am suggesting is that you consider including as a part of 
the Xfce Desktop Environment an Xfce C++ language binding for GTK+. This 
would give Xfce a development platform and would provide Xfce users with 
a convenient and easier way to write Xfce and GTK+ applications.

I have a C++ language binding for GTK+ that I have been writing for the 
past five years. Initally developed under the name "GCode", then "Inti" 
(post Havoc of course) and now released under the name GTK+ Foundation 
Classes (GFC). GFC is a complete rewrite of the Inti source code base 
and is a wrapper for GLIB/GTK+ only. The latest version of GFC has two 
libraries: GFC-Core and GFC-UI. GFC-Core wraps GLib and GFC-UI wraps 
ATK, GDK, GTK and Pango. GFC is very stable and has a new virtual signal 
system that has been optimized for size and speed. As a result GFC can 
produce binaries that are smaller and faster than any comparable Gtkmm 
progam. GFC's only dependancies are GTK+, Libsigc++ and GCC 3.2 or 
higher. The current development release for GTK+ 2.4 is version 2.3.1. 
The binding's source code is complete, albeit for any unforseen bugs. 
Currently I am working on updating and improving the reference and 
tutorial documentation, and had planned to release version 2.4.0 when 
this is complete.

I have worked hard at developing GFC and do not want to see it go to 
waste. I realized from the outset that if my binding was to have any 
chance at survival it would have to become part of a larger project. It 
was just a matter of timing, and now that I have a solid source base to 
offer the time is right. Previously Inti managed about 500 downloads, 
and the between SoureForge and GnomeFiles the second GFC developement 
release 5 weeks ago managed about 120. That is not a big user base and 
after 5 years I need some new motivation to continue development. 
Becoming part of Xfce would provide that motivation. It would give me 
the opportunity to work as part of a larger development team and my 
binding would gain wider exposure and use.

My proposal has no hidden agenda and makes no demands. I am prepared to 
re-badge the GFC libraries GFC-Core and GFC-UI, Xfce-Core and Xfce-UI, 
or Xfce-GLib and Xfce-GTK or whatever, and to maintain them for you. I 
am also be prepared to make any changes you feel necessary and could 
have Xfce versions of the libraries available sooner rather than later.

If any of you would like to check out exactly what is on offer have a 
look at the GFC web site http://gfc.sourceforge.net. If you would like 
to consider my proposal I will be happy to discuss GFC with you in more 
detail.

Regards,
Jeff Franks.