![]() ![]() Switching to Java would also allow the decoder description files to be created and edited by any ASCII text editor. At that time, the Java language was an up and coming independent cross platform language that allowed a java program to run on ANY PC based operating system that supports java (MacOS, Windows, Linux.). Some proof of concept code was developed on the Macintosh and hence it was not PC compatible. They knew that the success of the program directly related to having widest PC base possible. However, since Apple was in decline at the time (middle 90's), they wanted Decoder Pro to work on PCs as well. Both Mark and his friend were Mac Users that wanted to program their decoders with their PowerBooks. Mark and his best friend, a software programmer for Apple, came up with the name "Decoder Pro" over a series of lunch conversations. Each sheet would be topic specific to a given decoder's major function (Address, Motor control, Light control and effects.ect). Furthermore with the (then) recent introduction of Windows 95 graphical user interfaces, decoder programming complexity could be simplified by organizing the decoder programming information into multiple individual "sheets" (Formally called "Panes" as in "window pane"). Ideally the file would be in ASCII so people could read it and not in any complex language. The file would describe the specific decoders abilities, limitations and rules regarding programming while also being DCC brand independent. The only solution in his mind was an application were the user can create a "decoder description" file that is read by the application program. Why? These types of programs are always dependent on the effort of one programmer to both maintain and update it. Using some early but limited decoder programming utility programs like "EasyRamp", he also recognized that these type of programs were going to quickly fall way behind the fast growing decoder market. Mark recognized early on in late 1996 that the number of CV's a given decoder will have are going to exploded as new features are added. Mark is proud to one of the two people who indirectly helped the DCC world with the VERY SMALL part involving the creation of the "Decoder Pro" program concept. ![]()
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