Add support for alerting users for critical dependencies like a paid trial control

[momchilstefanov]

In relation to #321, in order to include templates for Grid and Chart as defined in the Workback we suggest to add an option to enable support for Third Party templates for Xamarin.Forms. 

Main reasoning behind this is that both scenarios are quite popular, but are not provided by the Xamarin framework itself. Including support for such templates, will also increase the possible cases that can be covered by templates. This will contribute to the whole community by enabling users to easily and quickly create projects with variety of options for customization. 

These templates will be visually marked to let the users know that they contain 3rd party dependencies with their proper licenses linked. In the attachments, you can see few design examples, of how 3rd party dependencies will be visualized in WTS.

[mrlacey]

I think this also potentially overlaps with #234

This isn't so much about 3rd party templates as much as it is about including something with a trial or paid dependency. This isn't something we don't yet cover but need to consider. Especially as it will require surfacing something else to the UI.

As per the first two screen mockups you show, the previous design of the wizard would previously show the author if it wasn't Microsoft but this was removed. The question of if and how templates from other sources should be named will need to be addressed.

[momchilstefanov]

It is about both 3rd party dependencies and trial/paid I guess. IMO if WTS is going to include such templates, it is important to clearly surface that there are third party dependencies or trial/paid ones and the one might have to install these dependencies before using the template at hand.

So, I can provide more mock ups, but the general idea is that this should be clearly indicated at:

1. The "card" level
2. In the Project Details
3. At the Page Details - where a link to the trial to be downloaded might be included

[crutkas]

@momchilstefanov If this is for the official feed, i think we must bubble up any critical information like 'this template requires a license for production use" Your 3rd screenshot shows this but it isn't bubbled up on the mission critical screens which would be 1 / 2 as it isn't clear until you drill in.

Other community members (Prism, Caliburn, MVVM Light) have all helped in creation of the templates so i don't think having "partner templates" in itself is the correct solution here

[crutkas]

the license and description calls that out. I am afraid of death by badges.

[mrlacey]

At the moment we intentionally don't have anything that uses a paid 3rd party control (even with a trial.) If this was added, then it might be worth calling specific attention to it. At the moment, license file links go to license description files. Having them redirect to a different type of document (like a payment page) would need indicating separately. We could do this with different text in the link but I would like to see some mockups for different options tested before making a decision.

[momchilstefanov]

Please take a look at the new mocks we have prepared and let us know your thoughts. Thanks.

[mrlacey]

Regarding the mockups

• The paid license indicator you've added is in the same place as the "has this been included (and how many times)" indicator. How would the two be shown together?

What does "Partner Template" mean?

• The template was created by a "partner"? And if so, what defines a "partner"?
• The template will generate code that includes a reference to a 3rd party library/product?
• The template will generate code that includes a reference to a 3rd party library/product that requires a paid license?
• Something else?

@momchilstefanov do you work for Progress/Telerik? If so, in what capacity?

[stefanov-stefan]

Hey @mrlacey

Since @momchilstefanov is OOO I will chime in. We both work for Telerik.

The idea of the mock-ups is to drive the discussion on the matter and ideas are more than welcome.

Since you mention that the indicator is at the same place, we can move it to top right for example, or any other place we want. What do you think the best position would be, as you best know the current layout of the card.

As for "Partner Template" the idea of the "partner" is that the template is provided by a Microsoft Partner. This gives some credibility of the template.

Looking forward to your thoughts on the matter.