Tech Status Update
Cardstack Development Updates, Operator Mode & Composable App Features
The Cardstack development team has been focusing on the composable app, particularly around the features of operator mode. The Operator mode presents a standardized UI that communicates with the underlying open-source framework where schema and templates are outlined.
In the current version of our runtime, we grant programmers code-level access to view the source code of each card inside the system via the web application, known as “code mode.” Operator mode leverages the same APIs that offer non-technical users a point-and-click interface to manipulate the data controlled by these schemas and templates.
Navigational Enhancements
A recent addition to the system is hierarchical navigation. If a card contains a field that is itself another card — like an invoice with multiple vendors — the operator mode presents a standard navigational strategy depicted as “stacks of cards.” This allows users to delve into any hierarchy level to explore the information space constructed using the Cardstack schema system and the Boxel interface.
Field Type Expansion
The team is broadening the array of field types, such as date / time / address / company / person / currency, in a project named Card Field separation. This initiative enables field authors to offer various user interface variations that Card authors can select for their form-based applications.
Cross-Realm Movement
Concurrently, we are enhancing the realm movement features, enabling users to transfer a card or realm from one realm to another using a copy. This function facilitates the mobility of card and code across multiple organizational boundaries, a feat not achievable in the conventional full-stack multi-tenant architecture.
Under-the-Hood Enhancements CSS Encapsulation
We have finalized our work on a CSS encapsulation architecture. This allows field authors to utilize custom CSS to style their components optimally without clashing with other applications sharing the same visual space.
Matrix Chat Protocol Integration
Our team continues to integrate the Matrix chat protocol, ushering in a novel card movement method. Data and content can traverse a chatroom frequented by members from various organizations and individuals without pre-agreeing on a shared realm or folder.
These chatrooms can be viewed as ad-hoc realms: effortlessly and cost-effectively established for select groups, acting as channels for the transfer of essential information aligned with schema standards detailed in the catalog.
AI-Driven Development
We are in the experimental phase of developing AI bots, powered by Chat GPT and other OpenAI APIs. These bots aid in card type conversion and even the creation of new cards as part of multi-user and multi-chat bot collaborations within these matrix rooms.
These experimental features and the operator mode will soon be incorporated into our Boxel user experience.
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