MC V17 Early Access PREVIEW

[Mathias (Author)]

Version 17 is not ready for stable release anytime soon, But it already has a lot of new things that need testing

Not everything added to v17 might be included in the final release.
v17 contain many MAJOR rewrites and new addition.

• File Tags/Labels and comments system
• Folder Specific settings
• New Keyboard customization system
• Total rewrite of List/Grid UI component used for File List view, FolderTree view, Most List/Grid UI componets. Without this rewrite all the 3 items above would not be possible
• MultiFileViewer can now show CSV/Parquet files as data in a grid. and if it is CSV it can be edited and modified and saved backed
• Some extension in MC can now be developed using .Net/C#
• Checksum extension now support Blake3 checksum algorithm

This is a early preview. Since it is a early preview it is time locked. and will stop to work after sep-30. (but a new updated version will be out.. )
However it will not be possible to auto update this version until in reached beta. there might be more 16.x releases with fixes before this is officially out

Since this is early preview. NOW is the time to come with feedback you want something to change. How a features with file tags or folder specific settings works or something like that.

Since this preview is developed separately from v16.x, When a new preview is released, it might not have all the fixes or addition that 16.x has. Right not V17 Preview has everything 16.2 build 3205 has. (I think)

Read more and see images here
https://multicommander.com/Articles/multicommander-v17-preview-1

Download portable version here (64bit only)
https://multicommander.com/files/updates/preview/MultiCommander_x64_Portable_(17.0.0.3400).zip

[Jungle]

It starts then hangs forever. I manually set log level to debug but didn't see any suspicious. At first start MC asked to choose the language and Look'n'Feel. Now it just hangs every launch. Task Manager shows 0% CPU. No antivirus alerts.

Win11 x64

[Matthias515566]

I don’t really like that the keyboard shortcuts no longer work. It feels a bit too “early” to me.

And I couldn’t notice any change in the scrolling behavior, except that it’s harder to follow the scrolling with your eyes. How about smooth scrolling?

Which are the new modules that I need to remove from the modules.xml file to get rid of the following error message?

“1 Extension/Modules was invalid and could not be loaded.
This can happen after a failed upgrade or with external modules that need to be updated separately.”

[Mathias (Author)]

It starts then hangs forever. I manually set log level to debug but didn't see any suspicious. At first start MC asked to choose the language and Look'n'Feel. Now it just hangs every launch. Task Manager shows 0% CPU. No antivirus alerts.

Win11 x64

Strange. 0% then it waits for something, I have Tested on many different setup , no issue.
anything in the app log ? how far did it come ?

[Mathias (Author)]

I don’t really like that the keyboard shortcuts no longer work. It feels a bit too “early” to me.

And I couldn’t notice any change in the scrolling behavior, except that it’s harder to follow the scrolling with your eyes. How about smooth scrolling?

Which are the new modules that I need to remove from the modules.xml file to get rid of the following error message?

“1 Extension/Modules was invalid and could not be loaded.
This can happen after a failed upgrade or with external modules that need to be updated separately.”

Its called early preview for a reason.. What keyboard shortcut does not work anymore ? Can you please be more specific so I can replicate that

Whats wrong with scrolling?, I see no difference from before.. Smooth scrolling will probably noy be added since that would slow down and eat lots and lots of cpu (Refresh everything, move 1 px down  redraw everything and so on.. ..)

In App Log you see what module failed to load..  what module failed ? they should all load in the preview.  missmatch of version normally only happens if you upgrade and some modules failed to upgrade or something.

[Matthias515566]

What keyboard shortcut does not work anymore ?

The custom keyboard shortcuts from the old v16.2 configuration no longer work with v17.

Whats wrong with scrolling?

Sorry, my mistake. I read something about "Total rewrite of List/Grid UI component" and thought that would improve the scrolling behavior. But I'm also happy with the old scrolling behavior. At least it works without any delay. Smooth scrolling is btw supported by the GPU, not the CPU.

In App Log you see what module failed to load..  what module failed

Sorry, I reinstalled v16.2, and now I’m getting the quoted error message there as well. So it must be a new module causing the error message, since the config files have always remained the same.

In App Log you see what module failed to load..

Thanks, I figured out which modules were causing it and removed them from modules.xml.

I don’t think I can really help with testing, because I usually test software by using it for my work.

[Mathias (Author)]

What keyboard shortcut does not work anymore ?

The custom keyboard shortcuts from the old v16.2 configuration no longer work with v17.

Totally rewritten how shortcuts works. so old config file does not load. New format

Whats wrong with scrolling?

Sorry, my mistake. I read something about "Total rewrite of List/Grid UI component" and thought that would improve the scrolling behavior. But I'm also happy with the old scrolling behavior. At least it works without any delay. Smooth scrolling is btw supported by the GPU, not the CPU.

Scrolling have never been an issue. Well smooth scrolling is made easier with GPU but not free. But problem is that desktop application like this is using old GDI/win32 UI, and that is not GPU accelerated.
It would require MC to update entire UI framework to use WinUI/WPF or some other Accelerated UI framework. But that is not on the table.

[Mathias (Author)]

Sorry, I reinstalled v16.2, and now I’m getting the quoted error message there as well. So it must be a new module causing the error message, since the config files have always remained the same.
I don’t think I can really help with testing, because I usually test software by using it for my work.

What is quoted errors message ?

That why this is released as portable only. not meant to replace your normal version. It mean to run side by side.. specially since it has expiration date built in.

But not sure if anything in this version ever will be inserted into the main line.

[Matthias515566]

Totally rewritten how shortcuts works. so old config file does not load. New format

Would it be possible, once beta status is reached, to convert the old custom keyboard shortcuts to the new format during setup?

[Mathias (Author)]

Totally rewritten how shortcuts works. so old config file does not load. New format

Would it be possible, once beta status is reached, to convert the old custom keyboard shortcuts to the new format during setup?

Probably not. would be to much work to make it re-map everything automatically. since they work totally different

[Jungle]

Ok. On one PC it works. So far I've only taken a look at file tags. Inconvenient.

1. One can quickly set some file tag but can't remove it. Using a context menu is a waste of time. I think at least standard tags should be togglable via toolbar.

2. I've tried to bind a hotkey to the Tags dialog (not the File Tag management dialog, but the "Tags" dialog invokable via context menu), but didn't found it. I've found 3 tags actions: Manage tags (invokes File Tag manager dialog), Tags (toggles toolbar; absolutely unclear name and description) and Assign File Tag (don't understand how it works).

I have no idea whether it is possible to use multiscript or internal commands to toggle tags, but it should be.

Please, update menu item names and descriptions. A lot of duplicates and unclear meanings (see pics)

[Mathias (Author)]

Tags/Labels using the toolbar  you can  Click - Tag selected files,  Shift+Click  - UnTag selected ,,  Ctrl+Click Toggle tag on selected.
With Right click on the tag in the toolbar. you can also select to filter on the tag

They are also in the popup, but under MultiCommader > Tag >
That is not a good place. To many step. But not sure where to place that yet. They cant be in the normal shell menu. Maybe only show a tag popup if ctrl is hold while showing context menu, or something.. not sure yet. right now toolbar is the way to use them.

Yes button editor and command editor where you select internal commands will need to change to support the new "category" name for the commands, Like that the new Keyboard customization dialog have. It will then be possible to filter and view them better. But first Keyboard stuff need to be more finalized.

MultiScript commands for tags are coming. Not added yet.

[Mathias (Author)]

I have no idea whether it is possible to use multiscript or internal commands to toggle tags, but it should be.

Actually There are MultiScript methods for it. I forgot that.

Code: [Select]

array GetTag( file )
string GetTagEx( file );
num TagAdd( file , tags )
num TagRemove( file , tags )
num TagClear( file )
num TagVerify ( )
num TagValid( tag )
CommentGet( file )
CommentSet( file , comment )
CommentAdd( file , comment ) // append
CommentRemove( file , comment)
CommentClear( file )



[total_annihilation00]

I found some bugs in V17:
(1) Cannot right click the File Column Header to select "Customize Columns" (plus rest of the custom options for this right-click menu don't trigger (just opens standard Right-click menu)). Maybe this isn't implemented yet ?
(2) Selecting "Dark Color Theme" doesn't work (so no dark skinned Aliases/ UDC/ Settings or Toolbar) for me (I selected Explorer Look & Feel maybe that's why) —works on my V16.2 though.
(3) I tried making a Filter Rule to highlight a Folder in Red background color, the same as I do in V16.2, but it didn't display it, the Color Filter Rule (made both a Filter Rule and Color Rules Editor entry.) "Full Filename 'Is' Logs (File Matching), Standard-Path 'Is' C:\Users\dell\Downloads\Logs (Plugin Extended Properties)" Oops Color Filters is indeed working, sorry —made a mistake in entering the correct path !
(4) The "Keyboard Shortcut Customization" dialog box is a little too big for my screen (the height (1366x768)), I suspect it's not showing the "Save" button, but if there is no such button, then this is Okay. I was unable to change the shortcut of "Parent Folder (Go Up)" from "Back" to "Alt+Up Arrowkey".

Tested on Win 10.

[Mathias (Author)]

I found some bugs in V17:
(1) Cannot right click the File Column Header to select "Customize Columns" (plus rest of the custom options for this right-click menu don't trigger (just opens standard Right-click menu)). Maybe this isn't implemented yet ?
(2) Selecting "Dark Color Theme" doesn't work (so no dark skinned Aliases/ UDC/ Settings or Toolbar) for me (I selected Explorer Look & Feel maybe that's why) —works on my V16.2 though.
(3) I tried making a Filter Rule to highlight a Folder in Red background color, the same as I do in V16.2, but it didn't display it, the Color Filter Rule (made both a Filter Rule and Color Rules Editor entry.) "Full Filename 'Is' Logs (File Matching), Standard-Path 'Is' C:\Users\dell\Downloads\Logs (Plugin Extended Properties)" Oops Color Filters is indeed working, sorry —made a mistake in entering the correct path !
(4) The "Keyboard Shortcut Customization" dialog box is a little too big for my screen (the height (1366x768)), I suspect it's not showing the "Save" button, but if there is no such button, then this is Okay. I was unable to change the shortcut of "Parent Folder (Go Up)" from "Back" to "Alt+Up Arrowkey".

Tested on Win 10.

1. ? What issue do you get,, I find no issue with right click on column header and select customize columns .. "just opens standard Right-click menu"  You mean the shell context menu ?
2.  I run it in dark mode all the time.. even more dialog support darkmode then before. how do you switch. what is happening ? any error in app log ?
4. Yes dialog is large. Hmm need to present lots of information in that dialog. I see if I can squeeze it a bit..

[Mathias (Author)]

(4) The "Keyboard Shortcut Customization" dialog box is a little too big for my screen (the height (1366x768)), I suspect it's not showing the "Save" button, but if there is no such button, then this is Okay. I was unable to change the shortcut of "Parent Folder (Go Up)" from "Back" to "Alt+Up Arrowkey".

I was able to bind "Parent folder (Go Up)" to Alt+Up, but maybe you failed because you was not able to press "save" button

It the problem with the dialog the height ? or is it also the width ?

[total_annihilation00]

1. ? What issue do you get,, I find no issue with right click on column header and select customize columns .. "just opens standard Right-click menu"  You mean the shell context menu ?
2.  I run it in dark mode all the time.. even more dialog support darkmode then before. how do you switch. what is happening ? any error in app log ?
4. Yes dialog is large. Hmm need to present lots of information in that dialog. I see if I can squeeze it a bit..

Issue #2, I resolved it by selecting "Commander Dark Mode" in "Quick Look & Feel" dialog, so that's fine now (gotta remember to select "Commander Dark Mode" as Color theme on first-time startup).
Issue #1, Yeah it does not popup the File Column Header right click menu (see screenshots, possibly the only bug, the rest are cosmetic glitches, so just need to fix this, I got V17 today & it refuses to launch the "Customize Columns" or rest of its special menu items):
Issue #4, The height seems to fit the full screen, maybe a little shorter height might let me click the "Save" button. When I click the Close X button it says do you want to save, I selected "Yes", but the "Up Arrowkey" isn't designated the "Parent folder" Shortcut, so that's odd. But I think it should be resolved if it's narrower in height. Width is fine by the way.

[Jungle]

@Mathias,
Concerning keyboard customization dialog. It can be reduced.

1. For example, "Assigned shortcuts" list is simply duplicates main list info but it consumes a lot of space with only 3 columns. The primary "*" symbol can be printed in the main list.

2. As far as I can see, "Origin" only has two possible values - "Custom" and "Default". So this column can be removed, and default hotkey can instead be printed bold in the main list. It is also actual because of an issue: if you add a secondary shortcut to the default one, the Origin becomes "Custom" for both.

3. "Conflicts" memo only shows conflicts when I try to assign a conflicting shortcut. But if I actually do it, then they will not be shown if I later select this shortcut in the main list. So the conflicts can be shown as a warning icon in the main list, and the full list of conflicts -- in the separate dialog.

4. Changing a shortcut can be moved to a separate dialog.

[Mathias (Author)]

Issue #2, I resolved it by selecting "Commander Dark Mode" in "Quick Look & Feel" dialog, so that's fine now (gotta remember to select "Commander Dark Mode" as Color theme on first-time startup).

So what did you do before that did not work ?

Issue #1, Yeah it does not popup the File Column Header right click menu (see screenshots, possibly the only bug, the rest are cosmetic glitches, so just need to fix this, I got V17 today & it refuses to launch the "Customize Columns" or rest of its special menu items):

Hmm Strange.. for me it works.  Hmm are you running Windows Explorer style mouse/keyboard setup ? Then context menu is then on normal right click. Might be that they collide in the new UI List view

Issue #4, The height seems to fit the full screen, maybe a little shorter height might let me click the "Save" button. When I click the Close X button it says do you want to save, I selected "Yes", but the "Up Arrowkey" isn't designated the "Parent folder" Shortcut, so that's odd. But I think it should be resolved if it's narrower in height. Width is fine by the way.

will check so that is really save after close on X button.

[Mathias (Author)]

@Mathias,
Concerning keyboard customization dialog. It can be reduced.

1. For example, "Assigned shortcuts" list is simply duplicates main list info but it consumes a lot of space with only 3 columns. The primary "*" symbol can be printed in the main list.

2. As far as I can see, "Origin" only has two possible values - "Custom" and "Default". So this column can be removed, and default hotkey can instead be printed bold in the main list. It is also actual because of an issue: if you add a secondary shortcut to the default one, the Origin becomes "Custom" for both.

3. "Conflicts" memo only shows conflicts when I try to assign a conflicting shortcut. But if I actually do it, then they will not be shown if I later select this shortcut in the main list. So the conflicts can be shown as a warning icon in the main list, and the full list of conflicts -- in the separate dialog.

4. Changing a shortcut can be moved to a separate dialog.

1. Well you can define multiple keys to same command. And from this list you can remove one of them, The the list does not need to be full width.. then some of the buttons can be moved after it instead

2.Yes the columns will be tweaked.. right now all of them are show most for debug reasons.

3. I will check how conflicts can be improved

4. Yes,, But I would like to see if I can have everything in one dialog. that is a backup plan

[total_annihilation00]

So what did you do before that did not work ?

I selected vanilla "Windows Explorer" style, but it's working properly now, it was oversight on my part.

Hmm Strange.. for me it works.  Hmm are you running Windows Explorer style mouse/keyboard setup ? Then context menu is then on normal right click. Might be that they collide in the new UI List view

Yes I will look into this, maybe on "Commander Mouse/ Keyboard" setting it's not displaying the Right-click menu !!

will check so that is really save after close on X button.

Alright that'll be great !

P.S: Oh you're right, selecting "Commander Style" "Mouse" on "Quick Look & Feel" shows the "File Column Header" Right-click menu !!! Perhaps you could fix this bug so that even in "Windows Explorer" style "Mouse" the "File Column Header" is right-clickable !

P.P.S: Everything is working splendid now, just gotta resize the height of the "Keyboard Customization" dialog. Also I'am happy to report I don't see the "File Column Header" shrinking randomly as it was before in V16.2 but I'll test further. Thanks Mathias ! & yeah clicking close on the "Keyboard Customization" dialog & selecting "Yes" has no effect (should fix this.) One more thing: Ctrl + PageUp\ PageDown aren't recognizable as valid hotkeys (for instance, Previous Tab\ Next Tab) !

P.P.PS: The File Coloring Rules Editor is very buggy in V17, I tried making new Rules & they would not select (after a lot of hassle I was able to select the new Rule & move it to the top), & sometimes clicking on a Color in the Color Picker dialog has no effect (only shows white, then when dragging the slider it finally works.) This might be because I changed from "Windows Explorer Style Colors" to "Commander Style Colors" (I'am not certain.)

[Mathias (Author)]

P.P.S: Everything is working splendid now, just gotta resize the height of the "Keyboard Customization" dialog. Also I'am happy to report I don't see the "File Column Header" shrinking randomly as it was before in V16.2 but I'll test further. Thanks Mathias ! & yeah clicking close on the "Keyboard Customization" dialog & selecting "Yes" has no effect (should fix this.) One more thing: Ctrl + PageUp\ PageDown aren't recognizable as valid hotkeys (for instance, Previous Tab\ Next Tab) !

P.P.PS: The File Coloring Rules Editor is very buggy in V17, I tried making new Rules & they would not select (after a lot of hassle I was able to select the new Rule & move it to the top), & sometimes clicking on a Color in the Color Picker dialog has no effect (only shows white, then when dragging the slider it finally works.) This might be because I changed from "Windows Explorer Style Colors" to "Commander Style Colors" (I'am not certain.)

You cant assign PageUP/Down or they do not work after you assigned ?

File color editing has not been change at all. I don't really understand the issues.. only shows white ? what is shown white..

[total_annihilation00]

You cant assign PageUP/Down or they do not work after you assigned ?

When I assign keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + Page Up/Page Down, the entries appear invisible in the list view (see attached screenshot).

File color editing has not been change at all. I don't really understand the issues.. only shows white ? what is shown white..

I'll verify this behavior on a clean install and update accordingly, but I suspect it’s related to a misconfigured "Quick Look & Feel" setting. Even on a fresh copy of MC, the issue persists (see screenshot).

Regarding your earlier question about the background color selection in a Color Rule: the color picker only displays white, which might be due to the inability to create or select a new Color Rule at that time.

Additionally, I discovered a workaround for editing new Color Rules: creating two new rules allows one to become editable and selectable. You can rename and keep that rule, then delete the second one.

P.S. In V17, creating a new Column Layout and adding paths like "C:\ D:" with "Valid For All Future Paths" causes the sorting column to reset on startup. For example, a previous setting of "Date Ascending" resets to unsorted each launch. The only workaround, similar to V16.2, is to use only the "[Default]" Column Layout with that configuration, though this prevents assigning custom paths with "Valid For All Future Paths."