I've created a Tech Art Toolbox to make it easier for artists to access and install tools and software plugins. This system ensures that artists always have the latest tool versions at their fingertips, and the installation process is user-friendly. The toolbox is versatile, supporting installations for different software like Photoshop, Maya, Blender, and standalone tools developed with Python.
## What's the problem?
Distribution of tools were a noticeable issue when I joined Rebellion. Emails and private chats were used to distribute initial versions and updates to tools. Making it difficult to keep track of versions, ensuring everyone kept up to date and nobody was aware of what tools where available.
## What does it do?
Users can see a list of tools/plugins Tech Art has made. Freely install/uninstall and update each plugin/tool. Additionally, standalone tools can be opened directly via the tool by double clicking on the tool, with documentation viewable as well.
## How is it made?
Good old python with Qt. But using QML instead of Qt Widgets. QML was used because it allowed for us to start making headway towards a consistent, polished UI for all our standalone python tools.
On the python Side, architecturally, each platform has a list of "Tools" where the tool object was specific to that platform. Using abstraction to standardize a set of functions, so that no matter the platform/tool, it should run correctly.
The tool is driven by a config file, with the lists being managed by a manifest JSON file in a similar way.
## Post dev thoughts?
- The adventure into QML and setting up the visuals was good fun, but not worth the additional costs if i decide to go down that route again in try and fix issues at the end of development.