State of LDE : (X)6.4
LDE(X)6.4 has been released and has had a few minor updates. However, this release is a mixed bag. We have lots of new goodies for developers, but have no 3rd party developers around. We have fewer updates for users and relatively few of those. In large part, the small number of improvements in the latter are the result of the maturity of the system - we have no real desire to tear into a tried and tested interface without substantial justification. The lack of users is actually indicative of a wider malaise in the alternative shell world - many of the former alternative shell users are now running Macs (like me!) or are running linux (ditto!).
The lack of developers is even more troubling. Like users, many of them have moved on to non-Windows systems. Others simply don't see the return in their effort (lack of feedback is a tremendous sapper of enthusiasm for a volunteer effort!). Finally, with the horribly delayed development of LiteStep since 0.24.6 (IndieStep), there has been so little forward movement in the LiteStep system that the developers have also understandably moved on. The continuing lack of available documentation and tutorials has not helped refresh the developer pool and so we find ourselves on life support. It sucks, but that's the way it is. Recovery is probably beyond the project at this point. Sadly, this also impacts LDE(X) rather badly - without the capabilities we want, it is hard to address the known limitations in LDE(X). The 6.4 release represents the best of breed. It's something I feel very proud of and has an enviable reputation going back to 1998 as the most consistent system. Certainly, the LDE(X)6.x releases have shown what is possible. Thankfully, as GPL, anyone can continue the project.