Potential 'Dependency Manager' system

[concrete_mielie 0]

Hey everyone,

This is essentially a double post, I sorta accidentally posted it under SC4 General Discussion too and then realised it is more applicable in this category. So please don't hurt me and chase me around with rabid llamas!

Anyway, to the post:

I just want to share my experiences in general, and run something by you, see if anyone's started a project like this and if not would be willing to help me do so.

As an avid SC4 player, I love my addons. I really do. But at the time when i started downloading addons I had dial-up and now it isn't much better since i'm on 3G so my bandwidth is at a prime.

I have hundreds of addons, from the no-brainer NAM to BSC Parks to buildings galore. I'm a hoarder.

But the problem is, and probably is for other hoarders, there are so many dependencies out there, some in megapacks, some in updated megapacks, some moved from STEX elsewhere, etc etc.

I would like to create a central repository that is useful for mod creators, teams, and general players alike, that can help us all to better organize our stuff. I realise that everyone has their stuff sorted out in their own way, and have their own system, but trust me ... as someone who is reinstalling mods dating from 2005 onwards from scratch to ensure that I have all the dependencies ... keeping track of files is a nightmare (and re-downloading the same thing over again because the filename is different is a waste of bandwidth)

So I am thinking that I could create a PHP-MySQL driven website (I am a webdesigner/developer by trade) that has multiple purposes:

• Mod creators can list their mod on the site (with a direct link to their host of choice)
• The mod creator lists all their dependant files as individual files
• Dependencies get listed on the site too, as individual files. Super/Mega packs can be set up too, but as a 'collection' of individual files already listed, along with an upload date.
• When dependencies, mods or packs get updated, anyone who "has that mod" can get alerted as to the status of the file(s) he/she has vs the ones available for download.
• Store user-experienced mod incompatibilities, for example when viewing info for Mod Y it says "I see you have Mod X. Mod Y is known to not work with Mod X." etc.

At the moment that's all i can think of. I certainly don't wish to take anything away from STEX or LEX or any of the websites that host files, my idea would point people in the right direction (if someone moves their files, they can indicate where it moved to, or if it became part of a pack, etc) and to be able to, at a simple search, ensure that they have all the dependencies that they need.

Any thoughts?

[Andreas Roth 607]

Many have suggested a similar system in the path, but so far, I've never seen anyone who actually faced the workload and created something like this. Now obviously, one person alone isn't able to do all this, as it would be a full-time job. Unfortunately, now, after six years since the release of SC4, it's a bit too late to start a project like this, I have to say. There is not a single chance that you (or we, speaking for the community) is ever able to create a database that contains every single custom SC4 file that is around and which dependencies are needed. It has always been the obligation of the developer to provide a clear and complete dependency list, and even if the link has changed, one should be able to locate the file at one of the popular download sites. Many files have been updated in the past in order to fix bugs, update the stats and whatnot, and this is a huge task already. Large efforts have been made to compile CDs and DVDs with custom content, which are available for a moderate donation sum, so they can serve as a "starter pack" for beginners and folks who started playing SC4 again after an extended absence. If the players want more and more current files, they should invest a minimum amount of time to actually read the readme files and hunt down the necessary files. It is not that hard if you put a bit of effort in it, and if you get lost, there's always the chance to ask in the forums.

[concrete_mielie 0]

Hi Andreas,

Absolutely, and I agree with you. But I have a keen desire to challenge myself to do something like this, and to give back to the community at large, as I am not particularly good at making mods. I feel that the project is worth a try, and it has generated a bit of interest in general, which is good.

I'm not looking for the system to be so comprehensive as to contain 'every single custom file' but the more there is, the better it works, and if it is simple to use and easy for content-providers to use, why not give it a try?

[jon7985 3]

Mielie, I say go for it, but Andreas is right, daunting dosen't even come close to describing this undertaking, although if its concrete enough, I'd be glad to add depenencies to your system.