Pointer Finder v2.0.0

Pointer Finder v2.0.0 - Release Notes

Pointer Finder 2.0, had a complete rewrite of the application from C# (.NET / WinForms) to C++17 utilizing the Qt6 framework. This architectural transition establishes a portable foundation for future cross-platform development while optimizing search performance and system resource usage.

Key Additions & Improvements

1. Core Architecture Rewrite

• C++ & Qt6 Migration: Replaced the Windows Forms interface with a native Qt6 presentation layer.
• CMake Build System: Standardized project builds with CMake, allowing easier development setup and compilation.
• Optimized Search Engine: Redesigned the backward BFS search strategy to run with parallel thread-safe sharded pools, reducing lock contention during deep, multi-level pointer scans.
• Fast List Rendering: Custom list views now use stack-allocated formatting buffers to reduce memory allocations during viewport scrolling.

2. New Features

• Contiguous Array Detection: Added an experimental "Array Detection" tab that parses memory blocks to discover structured groups of adjacent variable arrays in RAM.
• mGBA / GBA Support: Added full support for GBA emulation via a new RALibretro mGBA core manager.
• Dynamic Base Detection: Added a "Multi-Step Explore" option for platforms without fixed, traditional static address bounds, tracking pointer chains until stable roots are resolved.
• Bookmarks: Monitor multiple pointer paths simultaneously in a dedicated "Watchlist" tab with automatic recalculation.

3. UI/UX Polish

• Dynamic Theme Engine: Native support for both Dark and Light visual themes.
• Vector Icons: Dynamic SVG icon parsing recolors interface assets on-the-fly for optimal contrast.
• Improved Dialogs: Converted all platform range finders (Dolphin, PPSSPP, PCSX2, NDS) into responsive Qt dialog layouts.
• Robust Session Management: Workspaces can be saved as JSON-based .pfs files, preserving bookmarks, discovered arrays, and scan states.