I just keep everything in the same directory, with the main patch having the same name as the directory. This is basically what Pro Tools does, it creates a project directory and a sub directory for all the soundfiles, and puts the main project file in the project directory.

It might be nice to have a dependencies script that would scan the main patch for references to abstractions, check if they're in the same directory, and if not, list the abstractions that are being kept in the library so you can copy them to the project directory for easy distribution. That wouldn't be hard to write in something like perl, maybe I'll do it this weekend.

I don't like the idea of PD doing all that for me, so that every time I use an abstraction I end up with another copy of it on my harddrive. That kind of defeats the purpose of having centralized libraries.

Cheers, Ian

adam armfield wrote:

i use subpatches in my files but would like to use abstractions because of all the advantages..

however.. for me the main disadvantage of abstractions is that they are not embedded within the main project file..

this is usually a problem if a friend sends me a patch or i download one and it won't run because of missing abstractions..

is there already a way to save abstractions inside a patch?

if not i would like an option (checkbox for instance) to do this.. i haven't quite worked out how to update embedded files if the main abstraction file is changed in this case.. maybe some kind of file browser which also tracks dependencies would also be another approach...

i'm wondering if the approach used by tracktion would be good in pd.. that program uses project files which contain all files used.. sounds, midi info etc.

i like the idea of having all files used saved in some kind of project file so that everything is always there even if the files are moved, and so it still works quickly and easily if sent to others..

best wishes adam

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