$rand title formatting function removed in 0.9.5 beta 7, Split from "foobar2000 0.9.5 beta" Options

[Cosmo]

$rand title formatting function removed in 0.9.5 beta 7

This post has been edited by Cosmo: Dec 18 2007, 18:03

[Peter]

$rand() is gone because it returned a different value with each query yet there was no way for UI to update whenever its value changed, resulting in repaint glitches and other unexpected behaviors.
Yes, I know that there are multiple third party components with the same issue, but we don't want to set a bad example with built-in functionality violating our own guidelines. Probably somebody will provide a replacement for $rand() through some component anyway.
If you can name any real-world uses for $rand(), I'd like to hear about them so I can think about providing other means of doing the same without going through titleformatting mess.

[q-stankovic]

If you can name any real-world uses for $rand(), I'd like to hear about them so I can think about providing other means of doing the same without going through titleformatting mess.

I use $rand() in Advanced Preferences to define album sorting pattern for album shuffle: so that i also have shuffle inside of one album.

[DocBeard]

I often use $rand() to, well, generate randomly-ordered playlists (specifically using Playlist Tree queries). I prefer doing so rather than using the Shuffle or Random play modes for a variety of reasons, both aesthetic and functional. (Basically, I like to see songs on the playlist in the order they're going to be played.)

If this indeed breaks in Beta 7, I suppose I'll be sticking with Beta 6 for the foreseeable future, at least until I can get identical or superior functionality.

[yandexx]

Why not use "Sort » Randomize"?

[DocBeard]

Why not use "Sort » Randomize"?

A matter of convenience. As I have things set up now, I can generate a shuffled playlist of, say, all of my songs rated 4 or higher and start it playing with one double-click. Without $rand() or something similar available, this operation would take at least three distinct steps, one to generate the playlist, one to sort it, and one to start it playing. This would hardly be the end of the world, obviously, but it's functionality I would prefer not to lose. (This is also, among other reasons, why I haven't switched to the new Default UI.)

None of this is a demand that $rand() be restored or I'll start murdering puppies or anything. (I quite like puppies, for one thing.) Just a request that some manner of random function be considered, if it can be done without reintroducing the issues that caused the old function to be removed. If not within Titleformatting as such, then within a newer version of Playlist Tree, if there ever is another one.

Just one of those 'real world applications' that Peter asked for, really. And, until and unless that day comes, Beta 6 is working just fine for me.

[pIv]

2Peter

It is possible create $rand() function as optional component provided only for compatibility with old configurations that rely on them.

[odyssey]

I use $rand to create a unique number for each track/file for use in my backup application to backup tags only.

Edit: Another thing I previously used it for (I did not update everything yet) is a random-weighted autoplaylist. IMHO $rand is a very useful titleformatting function and i'd be sad to see it removed.

This post has been edited by odyssey: Dec 19 2007, 11:43

[zachastrife]

$rand() is gone because it returned a different value with each query yet there was no way for UI to update whenever its value changed, resulting in repaint glitches and other unexpected behaviors.

Well. Reading this thread and the fact that I'm using it as q-stankovic (to provide a album shuffle mode which shuffles inside albums) I'd say that removing it because of the UI doesn't can't handle it isn't a good reason.
If it exists another reason I could understand it (if you stated it ) but if it's only one implementation that doesn't work I'd like it back.

Can't you make it not usable in the UI code btw? Some functions doesn't work globally and why not make $rand() such function?