After clicking 'Reload File', the entries get shuffled.

Before 'Reload File'

After 'Reload File'

Introduce syntax highlighting to improve readability and visual parsing of log files.

Create a UI project with a menu to open a file and a text box that displays its content

Create a console project that takes a file name parameter and displays its content.

Prepare the application for internationalization by introducing language settings.

Allow users to select multiple log entries at once to display combined details in the Details pane.

Expand the application's availability by adding builds for other operating systems.

Extend the console application to display log entries sequentially.

Steps:

1. Parse multiline log entries (initial hardcoded version).
2. Implement a mechanism to continuously display log entries until user interrupts with Ctrl+C.
3. Test the console version with various log files to ensure accurate display.

Enable the application to work with multiple log files simultaneously and offer an intuitive way to switch between logs within the same directory.

Provide options for users to define how log files should be parsed, to accommodate various log formats.

Implement a feature in the desktop version where users can view log entries as a list. Upon selecting a particular log entry, its detailed view should be displayed.

Steps:

• Integrate a virtualized list to handle large log files efficiently.
• Design and implement a user-friendly interface for log list and details view.
• Test the desktop version to ensure it accurately displays and analyzes log files.

Add a service that accepts a file name parameter and returns the text from the specified text file.

Enable users to personalize the application with their choice of fonts and color themes.

Implement a system to save user preferences and settings between sessions. This should include:

• Window Preferences:

  • Save and restore the window size and location.
  • Remember if the window was in fullscreen mode.

• Session State:

  • Keep track of opened directories and files, ensuring that the user can pick up right where they left off in the previous session.

• Extensibility:

  • Design the system in a flexible way to easily accommodate new settings and preferences in the future. This could involve using a scalable data structure or format (like JSON or XML) that allows for easy addition of new fields without disrupting existing functionality.

The goal is to enhance the user experience by making the application feel more responsive and tailored to individual usage patterns, while also providing a foundation that supports the evolving needs of the application.

Objective

Refine the application's interface focusing on usability, aesthetics, and efficient use of space to create a more user-friendly experience.

Tasks

Borders Redesign

• Adjust Border Thickness: Re-evaluate and adjust border widths to reduce visual noise.
• Color Management: Remove unnecessary border colors for a cleaner look and introduce subtle colors where needed to delineate areas of the UI.

TabControl Optimization

• Tab Size Reduction: Decrease tab height to allow more content in view and increase tab width to fully utilize horizontal space.
• Font Resizing: Implement a smaller font size for tab titles to maximize space while maintaining legibility.
• Close Button: Add a close button to tabs for quick dismissal while ensuring that titles remain easily readable.

Color Scheme Consistency

• Color Audit: Conduct an audit of the current colors used throughout the UI.
• Color Scheme Application: Apply a harmonious and consistent color scheme that aids usability and ensures sufficient contrast.

General UI Enhancements

• Streamline Components: Aim for a minimalist and modern design aesthetic.
• Clarify Interactivity: Ensure interactive elements are distinguishable from static content.
• Spacing and Alignment: Improve spacing and alignment for an organized layout.
• Accessibility Review: Assess and enhance UI components for accessibility.

Collaboration

Work with a UI/UX designer to revisit the styling and develop a cohesive design language. Utilize user feedback to iterate and refine the interface.

Helpful links:
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/76599887/how-to-resize-the-headerarea-in-avalonia-ui-tabcontrol
https://github.com/AvaloniaUI/Avalonia/blob/e40d5d624cb6e3eb54743b4046d69ebe69e56b5a/src/Avalonia.Themes.Simple/Controls/TabControl.xaml#L5
https://github.com/AvaloniaUI/Avalonia/blob/e40d5d624cb6e3eb54743b4046d69ebe69e56b5a/src/Avalonia.Themes.Fluent/Controls/TabControl.xaml#L6
https://github.com/AvaloniaUI/Avalonia/blob/e40d5d624cb6e3eb54743b4046d69ebe69e56b5a/src/Avalonia.Themes.Fluent/Controls/TabItem.xaml

Include an installer in the releases to simplify the installation process for end-users.

Apart from global settings, provide the ability to set preferences on a per-log-file basis.

Duplicating records

Allow users to customize syntax highlighting rules to suit different log formats and personal preferences.

Create a professional logo that effectively represents the Log Reader application.

Implement a filtering mechanism to easily find and focus on relevant log entries.

Introduce the ability to refresh the display automatically when log files are updated, ensuring the user views the most current data.