BbLean

From BB4Win Wiki

[edit] bbLean Introduction

A bbLean installation package contains the core program, three core plugins (bbLeanBar, bbLeanSkin, and bbKeys) and ten sample style files. Also available is a WYSIWYG style editor --unique among the *box shells-- called bbStyleMaker.

The current version of bbLean is 1.16, authored by Grischka. Unfortunately, the author has vanished from the development scene and bbLean has since undergone no further official revisions. However, its extended functionality and ease of use still make it a popular shell among users.

[edit] bbLean vs. Xoblite

It is generally believed that bbLean has been adopted by more users than its main competitor, Xoblite. A poll conducted on BB4Win.org from May-2005 shows bbLean with a clear majority of users. Due to factors such as a lack of sales figures to count (shells are freely-downloaded software), there is no precise measurement of bbLean's adoption rate.

bbLean has a richer menu scripting language than that of other shells. For example, bbLean can merge folder item lists to create one menu from the contents of multiple folders. Notably, the latest version of Xoblite also includes this feature, but it remains significant that bbLean was the first to include such a feature. bbLean expands about forty-five shell folder keywords to display the contents of key system or user folders. Shell folder keywords are used in the menu scripting language. Menu scripts support an include directive—a feature which can be used in combination with an external scripting language (such as batch scripts) to simulate dynamic menus.

bbLean users further appreciate how they can “tear off” a menu or sub-menu to create a semi-permanent fixed menu (a notable feature also included in BB4Win, but missing in Xoblite). A torn-off menu can be positioned anywhere, and, by right-clicking on the title, disposed of when no longer needed. Few, if any, alternative shells match bbLean's menu functionality, although many users would agree that other shells under development (particularly Xoblite) edge out over bbLean in the area of aesthetic appeal. For example, Xoblite menus employ font shadows, horizontal separators, and extra bullets.