What can you use the application for?
Pipes is a mashup in which users can mix their popular feeds using a visual editor. This means that one can create complex and intricate mashups without knowledge of software coding. The concept of pipes is a throwback to the good old UNIX programming .The only difference here is that it is a visual editor. The Pipes application is built around modules which can be dragged on to a canvas and connected together. To really understand the application one has to build a Pipe and connect them together using a Pipes editor. The Pipes application is a RSS aggregator. Other users can use a preconfigured Pipe as input to their own Pipe provided a Pipe is published.
What is the history and popularity of the application?
The application was launched in February 2007 and has since taken the fancy of many internet professionals though it is not popular with the general lay public. The reason for its restricted usage is not difficult to fathom. Though it is a WYSIWYG type of editor where one can drag and drop modules, it still requires a bit of techno savvy.
What are the differences to other applications?
Pipes is a RSS aggregator and mashup which is an unique application. First of all it is based on drag and drop concept which is a first for such an application. Pipes offers output in RSS 2.0, RSS 1.0 (RDF), JSON and Atom formats which makes it highly flexible. RSS data can be configured using various modules though the process can be quite involved.
How does the application look and feel to use?
It is obvious that the pipes application has been designed by a techie because it relies heavily on documentation. It would have been better if a demo video had been provided to introduce the application. Frankly, the application interface can be quite daunting for lay users. Though it is claimed that it is easy to use, first time users can find it quite a task to navigate through the entire application.
How does the registration process work?
Registration is free but one needs a Yahoo ID which means diehard Gmail users have to take the trouble to get a Yahoo Id if they want to experiment with Pipes. Getting Yahoo Id is easy and takes only a few minutes. Maybe one would like the Yahoo email features enough to start using it.
What does it cost to use the application?
It is free and yes, it doesn’t bug you with unwanted pop ups. It is free of intrusive advertisements and one doesn’t have to sign-in or opt for free services other than Yahoo.
Who would you recommend the application to?
This application can be quite complicated and not for the faint hearted. For a programmer or a techie, Pipes application can be useful and to some extent easy to use.
