concrete_mielie

Hey Jezus53, At the moment, the only thing that i could need is a start of compilation of some of the most popular addons and their dependencies as a Name + URL + Mod Category list, especially those addons that DON'T actually have any dependencies (because they can be added straight hehe Also, if people could sloooowly start spreading the word about what the system is about, in an effort to get mod makers to simply learn of the existance of the concept. but that's not so important right now. Soon i'll also need some testers I'm busy assembling and designing as we speak, i've been feeling very inspired!

Hey all, long time ... real-world work has been keeping me chained to my office chair, lol! I just want you all to know that the project has not died (a short hibernation happened, but no fatalities) and will never die. I don't let go of good ideas quite so easily Anyway, I have registered a domain for it and set up some hosting. So although there's currently nothing there, you can go to http://www.my-simcity.com/ and see the awesomeness of the H2 tag! w00t! hehehe. Will update my blog soon, blogger sucks at the moment through. Hmm. Time to set up a development blog on the new site methinks!! Doc, grbac80 ... your support is truly appreciated, and it's the driving force behind keeping me going on this project!

Hahahaha doorknob. That would be pretty awesome actually. Not likely gonna happen, but who knows Go check the blog to keep tabs on the project!!

Very authoritarian Doc Alright, a lot of fleshing out has happened, much to think about and much more to do. I'll get cracking, and i'll keep you guys posted! When i'm not too lazy, i'll add the blog link to my signature, haha. procarpenter: I appreciate your comments, my work with Access hasn't been extensive, just going on what little I do know. I'm sure that a properly-designed Access database is just as efficient. Nevertheless, your idea for an offline version is an interesting one, and I think that on a monthly basis we could provide an offline version in Access format. That's something to think about after the online version is complete though.

Hey all. ASP (.NET) is not an option. Not only do i not really know it, but the bit that I have worked with it, it's been a nightmare filled with bulky excessiveness. Sixer: It's not really that complex at all, you're right, but it's better to hash it all out to start with ... even the obvious stuff ... so that we can cover all the bases. I dont know much about the technical side of BATS and dependencies and so on, so anyone mentioning ideas about dependency ID's makes me add to my thought process that (for example) there's a need to search by ID. Easy peasy to integrate, but i never thought of it before Speaking of which ... Warrior: of course there will be links, provided the 'original host' (i.e. STEX, SC4D etc) are willing to participate. If not, it's pretty useless...although at least having the name there 'would be a start'. Good idea on the ID. If i'm not mistaken, when someone makes a file that is a dependency, it gets given an ID ... and that ID is known by the maker, what's stopping them from entering it into the system (other than sheer laziness ... but then they can't upload, hahahah) Doc: You 'can' connect to .accdb files but it's a nightmare via PHP. ODBC is an option as well. But truthfully, it's slow as hell. Access is a desktop-optimized database system, i've always found that it works well for local use in a small database, but with sharing and permissions issues, user access and large tables ... we should go with a lighter solution. Plus, Linux hosting with PHP/MySQL is simply cheaper. As for ODBC and connecting DIC to the database ... that might not even be necessary, you can get your program to execute a web-based script and the script can return XML (or any other data format, prefer XML though) which DIC could interpret.

Hey all. ASP (.NET) is not an option. Not only do i not really know it, but the bit that I have worked with it, it's been a nightmare filled with bulky excessiveness. Sixer: It's not really that complex at all, you're right, but it's better to hash it all out to start with ... even the obvious stuff ... so that we can cover all the bases. I dont know much about the technical side of BATS and dependencies and so on, so anyone mentioning ideas about dependency ID's makes me add to my thought process that (for example) there's a need to search by ID. Easy peasy to integrate, but i never thought of it before Speaking of which ... Warrior: of course there will be links, provided the 'original host' (i.e. STEX, SC4D etc) are willing to participate. If not, it's pretty useless...although at least having the name there 'would be a start'. Good idea on the ID. If i'm not mistaken, when someone makes a file that is a dependency, it gets given an ID ... and that ID is known by the maker, what's stopping them from entering it into the system (other than sheer laziness ... but then they can't upload, hahahah) Doc: You 'can' connect to .accdb files but it's a nightmare via PHP. ODBC is an option as well. But truthfully, it's slow as hell. Access is a desktop-optimized database system, i've always found that it works well for local use in a small database, but with sharing and permissions issues, user access and large tables ... we should go with a lighter solution. Plus, Linux hosting with PHP/MySQL is simply cheaper. As for ODBC and connecting DIC to the database ... that might not even be necessary, you can get your program to execute a web-based script and the script can return XML (or any other data format, prefer XML though) which DIC could interpret.

Hahahah. No worries, i'll help you with whatever MySQL you need But yes, you're spot on. And having DIC checking for updates etc etc and marking the database ... great idea! What is DIC programmed with, and i'm assuming you can connect to an ODBC source?

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?

Warrior: Doc has it pretty much on the money, essentially it's a series of several interlinked tables. One BAT can use one, many or no dependencies, and one Dependency can be a part of one, many or (technically) no BATS. But it gets slightly more complex in that dependencies can be found in mega packs. So the site will tell you that you should download MegaPack X ... and by downloading MegaPack X you will automatically 'have' all dependencies that are part of that pack already, and when you view the page for "My First BAT" it then has ticked off Dependency A,B,C,D etc etc. Oh the magic of Left Join queries, hahahah. The only 'downfall' to this is that for obvious reasons I wont be hotlinking to the files directly, so for users it's a tool that they have to USE - i.e. mark the file as downloaded manually. In an ideal world, I would be able to provide a direct link to the file. But the world isn't ideal, is it ... -sigh- MS Access is pure, unadulterated evil. Step towards the light, use the principles taught to you and learn MySQL. Heheh Jezus: You're welcome, i learnt a lot there! I have created the blog: http://sc4list.blogspot.com ... it's pretty empty for now but I'll fill it up when I have some time with a full-on wishlist etc.

Doc: Ironically, it kinda just flooded to me in a very short amount of time, I've spent a few hours contemplating HOW to do it, but not what to do. Heheh. I like the concept of "content certificates" ... i just dont want people to feel like they have to "jump through hoops" to share their content. Having said that, the success of the system may just depend on those uploaders being willing to go that extra step, which most of them won't have a problem since I will ensure that the process of adding to their 'profile' is extremely simple and quick. I could write a simple script where STEX and any others can actually add a field for checking to see if the certificate 'number' provided matches that which is on The List site, and require a match in order to upload the file. But would people respond to that inconvenience? sixers: thanks for your offer of help, it will definately come in handy I'm a PHP/MySQL developer myself, so a partner in crime will be great to all interested in helping: I think the important thing to do, something which i've already started doing, is working out exactly how the flow will work and what is actually needed in order to make it viable, as well as feature requests. So if you have any ideas, fling them out, outrageous as they are, lets see if we can do it. I'm going to, at some stage, get a blog going on this. Unless someone wants to start one in the meantime ... hehe

Hey all Thanks for the responses. Let me address some of the questions in general. 1) I am aware of the SC4D list, and while it certainly serves it's purpose in fantastic fashion, it is basically updated by (if i'm not mistaken) one man (isn't that you Neddiggis? ) and sporadically based on the mammoth nature of the task. I'm looking to make a system that is always up to date and essentially moderated by the suppliers of the content. Also, a printable PDF is an option, but it's static. I think a solution that runs itself may be more work but will also solve a great need, and will even make the lives of those that are organized ever so slightly easier. 2) Part of the issue for me has been the whole 'readme' problem, or 'dependency list on the web' thing. There is no consistency as to where dependencies are displayed, and for idiots like me who are download-whores, sometimes you lose track of your downloads, where you got them, and what dependencies it uses. Tracking that down is a nightmare. This system would be developed not to link to LEX and STEX, but for STEX and LEX to be able to link to the system. However the whole system relies on the user entering quality data. 3) This would be a resource system, not a storage facility for the files. So for example, i make a awesome new powerplant BAT. I am a registered mod maker on "The List" (which we'll call it for now) ... so as a part of uploading my creation for others to download i also index my product on The List, and I reference whether or not it contains any dependencies (or explicitly states that it is completely self-contained). It appears as a BAT on there, but more importantly it adds the BAT to the database including information about all its dependencies automagically. I would make sure that it is easy to do this. Theoretically, I could then supply a direct link to The List to show information (which can also track downloaded files and with that in mind can also track if there are any updates to megapacks, as well as which megapacks contain what files.) So instead of having to be bothered to write full dependency lists on whatever websites I upload my BAT to, I can basically store my information on The List and link to it. Or, depending on how people name their stuff and if they are consistant with spelling, dirktator and Jeronij or anybody else could add a generic 'search based' link to The List as a standard button which opens in a new tab/window (i.e. www.thelist.com/search.php?query=Full+Mod+Name+Here) which does a search for the name. If it matches, it redirects. if not, it presents 'plausible options'. 4) It would definately be a team project, my real-life job is providing solutions exactly like this ... customised database / web application development. So it'd be a nice challenge for me too. 5) DocRorlach - Honestly i'm not very clued up on the technicalities of mods and exemplars and identifiers, but yes, it could be a set of fields that people who create prop packs and so on (general dependency files) can actually enter. This could then be searchable. But once again, this relies on the quality of data entered, but we could also have a dedicated and passionate team of editors that enter that data for them. Hahah. So if the data is there, we can make it a parameter. 6) Jezus53 - Google is handy. hehe. Try www.pixel2life.com ... lots and lots of tutorials on just about everything programming/design/IT 7) I'm excited for this, honestly. This could work very nicely

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?

Hey everyone, 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?