Regarding using mastercoin-tools as your reference client, be aware that it is based deeply around libbitcoin/sx/obliesk. Currently, AFAIK these tools do not compile under Windows. There is some talk about it, but nothing has come out of that yet. Doing some work around that would probably be one of your first steps, along with an automated build system for all supported architectures. Maybe create a bounty or something similar to help move that along.
Beyond that, mastercoin-tools' method of data storage is error prone and may need some work (i.e. many .json files on the drive, instead of a database -- lacking ACID, data controls, etc). Plus, it calls out to sx and manually parses through the output of the command, which will be lacking performance-wise (i.e. rapid process instantiation/takedown) and command output string parsing is normally pretty fragile by nature.
Past that, it may work... not sure of the API...haven't taken a good look there.
Care to lend a hand?
Hah, actually, you got to my post before I could delete it. Dang.
And actually, the reason I deleted it on second thought is because based on my earlier experiences with a mastercoin reference client (as well as initially putting the idea out there), I didn't want to kick off anything else or get involved in any degree... nor do I have the time. However, honestly I just wanted to throw in a few pointers that may help your team out. Just some technical considerations to be aware of, as you consider potential reference clients. Best of luck!
I’m glad I captured it.
Honestly, development progress is coming along quite nicely, and several teams are already in testing of their work. I’m quite impressed with what I’m seeing.
The items you described above (and that I quickly captured, because good comments need to stick around) are some conceptual elements that are being discussed and addressed, as we speak. Not saying we’ve solved them, but they’re on deck.
Please don’t hesitate to offer pointers, or to get more heavily involved. The more masterminds the better.
The most recent dev update has been prepared and posted by Ryan :http://blog.mastercoin.org/2014/02/22/development-update-7-wallets-and-smart-naming/In it, you’ll see lots of updates on where we are, what we’re doing, and where we’re headed.
Anyone wanna come along?
Craig