=====================
COOL TOOLS FOR DELPHI
=====================

Beta Version 0.95
For Delphi 32 Bit
                                                                
Copyright 1997 Southern Software Solutions
	
Technical Support via e-mail
100344.2615@COMPUSERVE.COM
==========================


1. What are Cool Tools
======================
Cool Tools for Delphi is a suite of add in experts for the Delphi IDE.
As at beta release 0.95 these comprise of two experts.

Property Expert
---------------
The Property Expert automates the process of adding an object to a class.
The full Delphi syntax for property declaration is supported including property visibility, method access, default values, array properties and more.

Quick Code Expert
-----------------
The Quick Code Expert is similar to Code Insight in Delphi 3.  It enables a list of code snippets to be maintained for easy insertion into the code editor.  These snippets are fully editable.  The snippets are stored in format compatible with the Delphi 3 Code Insight templates and indeed we suggest the provided templates are added to the defaults provided with Delphi 3.  (See below).

2. Installing Cool Tools
========================

Automated Installation
----------------------
If you have the file COOLINST.ZIP proceed as follows:
To install Cool Tools for Delphi unzip the COOLTOOL.ZIP file and run the SETUP.EXE file.  
This installs a DLL and an initial code snippet file.
You will be prompted for a directory to install the files to.  It is recommended you install to the DELPHI 2.0\BIN subdirectory, assuming you have used the default path for your Delphi installation.

Manual Installation
-------------------
If you have the file COOLMANL.ZIP proceed as follows:
Unzip the COOLMANL.ZIP file and copy the COOLTOOL.DLL file into your Delphi \BIN directory.
If you are installing into Delphi 2 then also copy the file DELPHI32.DCI into this directory.
If you are installing into Delphi 3 then open the archived DELPHI32.DCI file and copy and paste the contents into the \BIN\DELPHI32.DCI file on your computer.  This will adds the code templates to those already installed.
You will now need to add a new key setting to your registry.  
Run REGEDT32.EXE and add the following key to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER key.
For Delphi 2
SOFTWARE\BORLAND\DELPHI\2.0\COOLTOOLS
For Delphi 3
SOFTWARE\BORLAND\DELPHI\3.0\COOLTOOLS or
 
Add a string value named CodeFile to point to the location of the DELPHI32.DCI file.  This will be C:\PROGRAM FILES\BORLAND\DELPHI 2.0\BIN\DELPHI32.DCI for a Delphi 2 installation using the default directory.  (Change as appropriate for Delphi 3).
Finally add a string value to the experts key.
For Delphi 2 this is
SOFTWARE\BORLAND\DELPHI\2.0\EXPERTS.  
For Delphi 3 this is
SOFTWARE\BORLAND\DELPHI\3.0\EXPERTS.  
This value should be called SouthSoft and should point to the location of the COOLTOOL.DLL file.

Restart Delphi and enjoy.

3. Notes on Beta Version
========================

The beta version is at 0.95 and has been tested extensively in a Delphi 2 production environment.  Release 1.0 will incorporate minor enhancements.  
Please register your interest so we can advise you when the production version is available.
Your comments on how this beta version of Cool Tools and future enhancements you wish to see are welcome.

4. Instructions For Use
=======================

Two menu items are added to the Tools menu.

Property Expert
---------------
The Property Expert displays a dialog box that gathers information about the property you wish to insert.  Open the Unit you that contains the class you wish to add a property to and activate the expert from the Tools menu.
The following items are key:
- Property Name:  Enter the name
- Class Name:  List of classes in the unit.
- Data Type:  The drop down list displays possible data types.  You can populate this with enumerated types, or custom event methods defined in the unit by clicking on the appropriate option button.  The data type can also be typed directly into the drop down list. 
- Visibility:  Choose from the drop down list box.
- Read Access:  Select an access type from none, direct or method.  Edit the corresponding field if required.  
- Write Access:  Select an access type from none, direct or method.  Edit the corresponding field if required.

Move from page to page with the Next and Back buttons.  The Insert button will only be activated when you're on the final page.  Clicking the Insert button inserts the code into the unit.  Property access methods are generated with stub code.

The Configure button allows the operation of the expert to be configured.

Quick Code Expert
-----------------
The best way of using the Quick Code Expert is to open it from the menu and drag the box to the bottom of the screen where a portion of it protrudes past the code editor window.  This way you can leave it running and just click on it to select a code snippet to insert.
Buttons at the bottom of the Code Expert screen allow you to manage your code snippets.  (Add, Delete, Save, Cancel, Refresh)
Code snippets have an identifier, an optional description plus the actual code to be inserted.
Note the code will be inserted at the cursor and multiple lines of code will be indented.


5. Compatible Delphi Versions
=============================

Cool Tools for Delphi are compatible with Delphi versions 2.0 and upwards.
They will not work with Delphi 1.0.  
They are currently being tested with Delphi 3.0 beta.

6. Delphi 3 Code Insights
=========================

Delphi 3 Code Insights are stored in the file "DELPHI32.DCI" which can be found in the \BIN directory of Delphi 3.  To merge the code templates, open this file with a text editor and add the lines from the Cool Tools "DELPHI32.DCI" file.

7. Pricing
==========

Cool Tools are shareware and as at this date the final price has not been set.  Production versions will be licensed for single user and multi user single site use.

8. Registration
===============

Registration will be by Compuserve SWREG forum or by snail mail when version 1.0 is shipped.
Comments are welcome via e-mail to the above address.

9. Disclaimer
=============

Here's the legal bits.

WHILE EVERY CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE COOL TOOLS WORK AS ADVISED
USE THIS COMPONENT AT YOUR OWN RISK.
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH OTHER WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED.

IN NO EVENT WILL SOUTHERN SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS BE LIABLE TO
YOU OR ANY OTHER PARTY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF 
SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES.  IN NO EVENT SHALL SOFTWARE SOLUTIONSS LIABILITY EXCEED
THE FEE PAID FOR THE SOFTWARE.
