I would imagine there is one common dilema software developers face regardless of the type of software they're creating. How can I pack as many features as possible into my software, without making it bloated? Litestep is no different and there is a current piece of Litestep software that has some people divided on the features vr bloat issue.
Xlabel is a Litestep module that displays information usually in (on) a graphic. It is based on the original Label.dll by Maduin. Xlabel has taken the original label features and expanded on them greatly. In addition to having the ability to display dynamic information in a label, Xlabel allows the user to replace several existing modules, via new features it offers.
Among those features are hover and pressed image states; which basically allow you to replace shortcut2.dll. You can create a desktop with icons (draggable yet!) so icondesk.dll may not be needed. As well there are animation plugins and HTML formatting plugins.
The configuration possibilities are nearly endless. I have already replaced shortcuts with labels with very good results. I think icons will be next, but I'm already playing with some dynamic text configurations for displaying winamp, foobar, and quintessential song titles etc.
As mentioned above, the reaction to Xlabel has been mixed. Some long-timers and module coders aren't thrilled with the module. They look at it as becoming bloated, or wonder when the feature enhancement will end. Others look at it as filling theming needs that currently exist.
All I can tell you is I have used it extensively for a few weeks, and have become more energized about theming than I have been for a while. There's nothing like new toys to get you excited.
