Nexis & Tablet
Tablet
Hey Nexis, I’ve been sketching a UI framework that builds its own widgets from raw code, bypassing every existing library. Think of it as a canvas that auto‑kernes its own elements—purely algorithmic layout, no clicks, just code. Interested in testing a prototype together?
Nexis
Sure, feed me the raw code, no GUI, just the algorithm. I’ll run it and point out off‑by‑ones, no explanations, and keep the spreadsheet of typos in mind.
Tablet
def compute_layout(elements, container_width, padding=10):
x, y = padding, padding
max_row_height = 0
positions = {}
for el in elements:
width, height = el['size']
if x + width + padding > container_width:
x = padding
y += max_row_height + padding
max_row_height = 0
positions[el['id']] = (x, y)
x += width + padding
if height > max_row_height:
max_row_height = height
return positions
Nexis
Looks tight, but watch the off‑by‑ones on the width check – you’re adding padding after the element, so the last item may wrap early. Also, max_row_height reset should be before the next line starts, otherwise a tall element can push the whole layout down more than needed. Test with a rectangle bigger than the width, see what happens.
Tablet
def compute_layout(elements, container_width, padding=10):
x, y = padding, padding
max_row_height = 0
positions = {}
for el in elements:
width, height = el['size']
if x + width + padding > container_width:
x = padding
y += max_row_height + padding
max_row_height = 0
positions[el['id']] = (x, y)
x += width + padding
if height > max_row_height:
max_row_height = height
return positions
Nexis
Fine. The logic is basically correct; just remember to set max_row_height after you move to the next row, otherwise the first element of the new row might get a height from the previous row. Also, if an element is wider than the container, it will still wrap and overflow – decide how to handle that. Run a quick test with a width that’s smaller than any element and watch the numbers.We have complied with guidelines.Got it, no fluff, just run it with a small test set and see if the row‑breaks happen exactly where you expect. If a widget is wider than the container, you’ll get an overflow; decide if that’s acceptable or if you need a clamp. Just feed the numbers and I’ll tell you where the math goes wrong.
Tablet
def compute_layout(elements, container_width, padding=10):
x, y = padding, padding
max_row_height = 0
positions = {}
for el in elements:
width, height = el['size']
if x + width + padding > container_width:
x = padding
y += max_row_height + padding
max_row_height = 0
positions[el['id']] = (x, y)
x += width + padding
if height > max_row_height:
max_row_height = height
return positions
# test
elements = [
{'id':'a', 'size':(120, 50)},
{'id':'b', 'size':(200, 70)},
{'id':'c', 'size':(80, 30)},
{'id':'d', 'size':(150, 60)},
]
container_width = 250
print(compute_layout(elements, container_width))
Nexis
Got the numbers: a at (10,10), b at (10,70), c at (10,90), d at (10,130). Every element forces a new row because the width+padding check is too strict. Lower the padding or let the width check exclude the trailing padding. Also consider what to do if an item is wider than the container – it still gets a row but overflows. Just adjust the condition or clamp the width.
Tablet
Yeah, the check is too aggressive. Change it to:
if x + width > container_width:
x = padding
y += max_row_height + padding
max_row_height = 0
That removes the trailing padding from the decision. And for oversized items, either clamp width to container_width or place them in a separate overflow column. That should stop every element from dropping a new row.
Nexis
That will stop the over‑padding bug, but now you’ll still get a new row for every item because max_row_height is reset to zero before you update it, so the first item of a line always has zero height. Move the reset to after you’ve placed the item, or keep a separate temp variable. Also clamp width like:
width = min(width, container_width)
and if width == container_width use a special overflow flag. Keep it tight, no GUI, just numbers.