ToDoList Viewer - PocketPC Viewer for .dan.g's ToDoList

• ToDoList Viewer Source Files - 34 Kb
• ToDoList Viewer Setup - 252 Kb

Introduction

This project is a C# .NET Compact Framework application that provides read only viewing of .dan.g's ToDoList program on a PocketPC. This project is an example of the basics required for a .NET Compact Framework application and shows how to use XML, a Tree Control, and a Tab Control, as well as a good use for recursion.

Background

I started using the ToDoList program to keep track of all of my current tasks and their subtasks. The problem came when I would go to status meetings and try read the raw XML to remember what I was working on. After about three meetings, I decided to create a PocketPC version of this program so I could take my task list with me anywhere. I spent a couple of hours that evening and created the current version of software which is a read only viewer. This met my immediate need of being able to report on my current tasks in my status meetings.

I had/have much bigger plans for this application, but a new baby has me rearranging my priorities for the time being.

I saw a post in the message section of the ToDoList article asking about a PocketPC version and I thought I would make this current version available if someone wants to take the code and continue on with making it a fully functioning version. It might also be helpful to anyone who wants to read their task lists in meetings.

Using the Program

The program has a simple interface that allows you to open any ToDoList XML file in your My Device\My Documents directory and view the details of the tasks. The list can be refreshed and filtered by Active, Complete or All tasks.

There are at least two choices for how to keep the files synchronized between the desktop and the device. The first option is to manually drag the file to the HPC through the Active Sync Explorer. The second option, which is what I use, is to use the Active Sync feature for Synchronizing Files and keep the ToDoList files in the Sync directory. The reason I use this one is that I don’t have to worry about remembering to copy the file when I update my ToDoList.

Deploying the Program

Note: This application requires the .NET Compact Framework. This can be downloaded from Microsoft (under ".NET Compact Framework 1.0 Downloads" section).

There are three ways to deploy this application: manually, cab files and fully automated setup.

To manually deploy the application, use the following steps:

1. Create a ToDoList Viewer directory under My Device\Program Files.
2. Drag the ToDoList Viewer.exe to the new directory.
3. Tap-n-Hold the executable and select Copy from the context menu.
4. Change directory To My Device\Windows\Start Menu\Programs.
5. Select Edit|Paste Shortcut from the Application menu.
6. Tap-n-Hold the shortcut and select Rename from the context menu.
7. Change the name of the shortcut to ToDoList Viewer.
8. Go to Start|Settings|Menus, find the ToDoList Viewer, and select the check box.

To deploy the application using the cab files, you first need to determine which type of processor your device has (check with your manufacturer), copy the appropriate .CAB file to your device, and run the .CAB file. This installs the program and creates the shortcut as well as lets you have the ability to uninstall the application. If you chose this method, you will need to download the source and build the Cab files.

The final option of deploying the application is the fully automated setup. This setup is started from the desktop and initiates the setup on the PPC. You will also be able to initiate the uninstall process from Add/Remove Programs.

Known Issues

Contact Information

I have setup a special e-mail account for this project. You can contact me at todolistviewer@legendweb.com about this project. If you contact me at my normal e-mail address, please put [ToDoListViewer] in the Subject line.

Version History

• 1.3.2 (Aug 04, 2004)
  • Added support for XML changes with ToDoList v3.7
• 1.3.1 (Apr 11, 2004)
  • Updated Checkboxes to match ToDoList 3.4.x UI
• 1.3.0 (Feb 28, 2004)
  • Removed Hidable Notes Area
  • Added Hidable Full Details Tabs
• 1.2.x (Feb 26, 2004)(First public offering)
  • Tree View of Current Task.
  • Hidable Notes Area.
  • Integrated Graphics from ToDoList for common look & feel.
  • Context Menu.
  • Refresh Option.
  • All/Active/Complete Filtering.
• 1.1.x and earlier
  • Private builds.