The latest articles on DEV Community by Klaus (@bitbrick). https://dev.to/bitbrick https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F3051163%2F0c9ba881-cf42-44a6-ba5d-d109bf1e79a9.png https://dev.to/bitbrick en Klaus Mon, 05 May 2025 19:26:58 +0000 https://dev.to/bitbrick/gaeb4linux-open-source-gaeb-viewereditor-for-linux-javaxml-92m https://dev.to/bitbrick/gaeb4linux-open-source-gaeb-viewereditor-for-linux-javaxml-92m <p>Hey dev.to!<br> I'm currently working on an open-source project called <strong>GAEB4Linux</strong>, which aims to bring native support for GAEB files (a German construction industry standard) to Linux.</p> <h2> 🏗️ What is GAEB? </h2> <p>GAEB is a widely used XML-based format for exchanging construction data in Germany. It’s essential for things like bills of quantities, tender submissions, costing, and invoicing.</p> <h2> 🚧 The Problem: </h2> <p>There are plenty of GAEB software tools available, but almost all of them are Windows-only or commercial. Linux users in the construction industry currently have no solid open-source solution to handle GAEB files.<br> I’m trying to change that.</p> <h2> 🔧 Project Vision: </h2> <p>The goal is to create an open-source GAEB file viewer/editor for Linux (written in Java for cross-platform compatibility). The initial version will support:</p> <ul> <li><p>Viewing GAEB XML files (e.g., .X83, .X84),</p></li> <li><p>Entering bid data and prices for tenders,</p></li> <li><p>Later stages could include additional features like full AVA (tendering and invoicing) functionality.</p></li> </ul> <h2> 🌱 Current Status: </h2> <p>Right now, I’m in the early planning phase – no code has been written yet. I’m designing the system, figuring out the core features, and planning how to integrate the GAEB XML structure.</p> <h2> 🔍 Looking for Collaborators: </h2> <p>I’m looking for:</p> <ul> <li><p>Developers familiar with Java, XML, and GUI design (Swing/JavaFX, etc.),</p></li> <li><p>Anyone with experience in the construction industry or knowledge of GAEB/AVA workflows,</p></li> <li><p>Designers or UX/UI specialists who can help build an intuitive interface,</p></li> <li><p>Feedback from anyone who has worked with GAEB or similar standards.</p></li> </ul> <p>I’m planning to host the project on GitLab, and I’ll set up a chat (Discord/Matrix) for discussions and collaboration.</p> <p>Would love to hear your thoughts or suggestions, and I’m open to any tips from anyone who has experience with GAEB file handling.</p> <p>Thanks for reading!<br> —Klaus</p> Klaus Fri, 18 Apr 2025 07:18:22 +0000 https://dev.to/bitbrick/-2d2g https://dev.to/bitbrick/-2d2g discuss Klaus Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:01:28 +0000 https://dev.to/bitbrick/-5d98 https://dev.to/bitbrick/-5d98 discuss