"Expert mode" toggle in settings

[BobTheDeleter]

Hi all, I just wanted to make a suggestion that I think would help keep this app beginner-friendly even as more features are added.

Would it be possible for an "expert mode" to be added to the settings, which by default hides many features that a beginner musician wouldn't know about? Speaking from my own experience, being limited by the original Bosca Ceoil was precisely what made it so easy to use and actually finish a piece of music with, rather than getting lost in tutorials for other DAWs. This toggle (which by the way was inspired by Logic Pro's toggle) would ensure that a beginner opening the app only has what they need to make their first track. After this, they can turn everything else on and experiment to their heart's content.

[YuriSizov]

Hey there! I've answered you on itch as well, but let me reiterate here to cover both communication channels :)

My number one goal going forward is always going to be to keep the app as simple and not threatening as possible. I've already declined some ideas which can technically be implemented, but would be out of place in this particular tool. Everything that is going to be added will have to be designed in a way that is clear and simple to use. And when first betas for new features start rolling out, please report back if you find them too complex.

I'd like to, however, point out that not everything in Bosca Ceoil right now is actually beginner-friendly. A lot is hidden behind key combinations and poorly communicated behavior. I've tried to improve on some things with the first few editions of The Blue Album, but more remains. Like one of the most headache inducing features is instrument filter recording, or advanced tuning as I refer to it. Even Terry regrets adding it to begin with.

That's an example of something that I'd like to make more accessible too. And an example of something I don't want to repeat with any new features.

What I definitely do not want to do is to introduce an "expert mode" toggle. I don't want to waste time working on features which are not going to be useful to most users, and then also hide them behind a switch that many will miss. This is just not something that is worth my time as a solo developer here. I'd rather spend time figuring out how to empower more budding and inexperienced musicians (like myself, mind you) to create more. Because it's not the number of features that the app has that can be scary, it's the presentation of them.

And that's what my job going forward is going to be, keeping things simple but creatively empowering.

[BobTheDeleter]

Honestly, I prefer your vision to what I was suggesting. My main concern was that, as people keep suggesting complex features, the purpose of the app as a simple, limited DAW would be lost.
If development is going to stay as focused as you say it will, excess features won't be an issue in the first place.