A while back, our staff built and deployed a finished app that runs on Intel Macs. It’s the first time we’ve actually used the new accounting software outside of the debugger.
It’s not huge news for users. Most of the Mac hardware/OS that benefits from this initial 64-bit version can still run the current 32-bit Goldenseal software. However, it’s a big step for TurtleSoft.
First of all, it makes testing much easier. Up until now, we had to use two different machines for in-house testing: Goldenseal on Intel vs new app on ARM. Now they both can run on the same machine. Copy/paste works, and there’s no longer need to swivel or hit the KVM switch. Mismatches are more obvious now, with windows side-by-side on the same screen.
We also created a 1/2/3 cheat sheet for the command-line deploy process. It builds a finished app with zero brain power: just follow the recipe, and paste a huge block of text into Terminal. A slightly different deploy process also works for newer ARM Macs, but we still need to figure out Apple’s code-signing system to make that work. Ditto for the Windows deploy.
With more frequent and deeper testing, bugs are still turning up. We probably should stress-test for a month or two before the first public release. That way the new accounting app will be less annoying for early adopters.
TurtleSoft moved to a new long-term location last October. It has a huge yard, and this is peak garden season. These days, plants and seeds consume much of our quality time.
We’re now growing Goldenseal, the plant. It’s the first time there has been habitat for it. These are in the greenhouse, and some are outdoors. The snapshot also shows Sugar Snap peas in the background for early harvest, and parsley just sprouted for greens next fall and winter.
Fortunately for users, there is rain. Plus sore muscles, back and knees. And soon, heat and biting flies. So the software bugs will be fixed almost as fast as they are found.
Dennis Kolva
Programming Director
TurtleSoft.com
