Hard Coded Values

[rickkramer]

After reading alot of the posts, why are so many of the options hard-coded in the server application. Why are those options not kept in an external file or via the options screen that can be easily modified to the users taste?

Forexample,
- the random screen's default number of albums
- changing the default view (newest, random)

[mgrant]

I cannot speak for Sindre but I would suggest that there is a careful balance between simplicity and flexibility.

The more options that are exposed as configurable options the more complex (and flexible) the product becomes. For some this would be a welcome addition but for many others this might mean that the product seems too difficult to use.

Both items you refer to can easily be changed by modifying the appropriate jsp files (I suspect that you already know this). This is not significantly more difficult that modifying a configuration file.

I do agree though, that for me (any apparently for you), having a configuration option for the default number of items, and the default view would be nice. But you didn't ask to add them - you just asked why they are not already there.

So, if you haven't already done so, make your enhancement requests in the "Feature Requests" forum. Sindre is pretty good at giving fair consideration to useful requests.

-mg

[rickkramer]

I understand what you are saying. My point is that developers sometimes force users to run a specific way instead of coding for different options. What I can see is that users are asking how to make changes and the answer seems to be is to change code. I, for one, don't think that is the best longterm solution.