Thanks for pointing out the Z order issue. We're looking into it.
Yes, the previous statement is still accurate relative to our plans for Mac OS X. The Mac version is functionally identical to our Linux and Unix offering. On those platforms, we do not receive the same feedback that the editor is "barely acceptable". These comments from Mac users, I believe, stem from a lack of fitting into the Mac OS X standards and approaches. While some of these issues are functional, many are cosmetic. The editing workflows offered by SlickEdit on the Mac are the same as on any other platform we support and provide the best symbol analysis, code navigation, and speed of use of any commercially available editor, particularly on the Mac...bugs in Z order notwithstanding.
Please do not assume that you know more about our code than we do, or don't complain the next time your manager gives you your estimates.
We have looked at this issue extensively with the hope of producing a native version. We even looked at QT as an option. Using QT or writing the code directly using the Mac APIs would require us to re-implement our window handling, font handling, event processing, every dialog, every menu, and every tool window. While this isn't 100% of the code, I would consider this to be a "full rewrite" due to the magnitude of the change. Also, unless we selected the QT route, it would leave us with a version that is so different from the other platforms that many features and defects would have to be implemented twice.
Suffice it to say, the effort required is more than we are willing to invest. Hopefully, that is a statement we can all agree to and is fully lacking in "hyperbole".
If it was as easy as many have suggested, we would have done it already. If it was as easy as some have suggested, I could have done it in the time it took me to answer the posts about when we are going to have a native Mac version. <Falls to floor frothing and pulling out hair>
We recognize that the Mac version will not satisfy all users, particularly those whose primary background is on a Mac. We have had a great deal of praise from users who work on multiple platforms because the Mac version
is so similar to our other versions. We provide a free trial so people can try it out and reach their own conclusions whether this product will make them more productive.
I've peppered this post with smileys in an attempt to make sure you read this with a light-hearted tone. I think you are right to ask for a native version, and I've done my best to relate SlickEdit's position on this. We plan to keep supporting the Mac in the manner we do currently. We are interested in any suggestions on how it can be made more functional in the Mac environment.
Thanks!