[New Tool] Mod downloader and installer [V0.02 04/01][Beta]

[killerog]

This tool allows you to download and install all of my mods along with other peoples. It replaces the old downloader, it has the same features as the old version but also includes many new improvements and functions.

Features :

--Download and install a selection of mods for TC and AP.
--Provides infomation on the selected mod.
--Is able to install mods as a mod or as a fake patch allowing for more than one mod to be installed at any one time.
--Is able to remove installed mods and restore Egosoft files if they were over written.
--Allows you to check for any updates to the mod.
--Allows the easy upload of new mods

Current GUI:
[ external image ]
[ external image ]

Changelog
V0.01
First release

Download latest version from :: www.sbmod.co.uk

[killerog]

Using the tool:

To use the tool simply unzip and install the program. It will need to be ran as an administrator for it to work. Next select the X3:TC exe file and you are all set to use it.

Adding a mod to this tool:

If you wish for your mod to be added to this tool there is a couple of steps that need to be done.

1. Mod needs to be in a zip formate.
2. Xml file needs to be created in the editor with the following layout:

Code: Select all

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<ModInfo>
<MOD>Title of the Mod</MOD>
<AUTHOR>Your name</AUTHOR>
<TEXT colour="Black" size="Small"></TEXT>
<FORUM>Forum link</FORUM>
<WEBSITE>website link</WEBSITE>
<DOWNLOAD>Download location for the mod .zip file</DOWNLOAD>
<UPDATE>.txt file</UPDATE>
<UPDATEDOWNLOAD>link to UPDATE file.</UPDATEDOWNLOAD>
<CHANGE>.txt file</CHANGE>
</ModInfo>

FORUM/ WEBSITE/ CHANGE/ UPDATE/ UPDATEDOWNLOAD are optional, but should be used.

Use one of my files as an example of what each of these should contain.

3. I need to be sent a PM or Email with the title of your mod and the download location for the Xml file you have created. This is so I can add it to the master list.

I can host any files on my server, files will need to be hosted on FTP sites(eg my site) and not on file sharing sites.


If any one would like to help me beta test this tool by adding your mod this would help me and hopefully the community out a great deal

[Sam L.R. Griffiths]

Hi Killerog... I have a very basic XML editor as a single C# form. I can send you the source for it if you wish to incorporate it (or a variant there of)?

[killerog]

That would be nice. That was one of my next tasks to create one.

[Sam L.R. Griffiths]

...

Done

[killerog]

Thank you.

[killerog]

Updated op with new images and details.

Big thanks to Roger L.S. Griffiths for the help with the editor.

[builder680]

Killerog, I feel this tool is a step in the right direction regarding uniformity of mod download/installation/deinstallation/information. For the sake of simplicity, I wish mods/scripts and their installation/removal were standardized.

It's truly a crash course learning how to install mods for X3, even with the detailed instructions graciously provided by most authors... especially when you find that you want a lot of different ones. Checking compatibility and ensuring you didn't make any mistakes encourages an elaborate system of personal documentation and incremental backups... as a safety net... that it really becomes quite the undertaking.

Standardized UI for scripts/mods would eliminate the need for most of that.

The only two concerns I have are:

1. It may be a bit late in the game to really catch on like it would need to, to become a de facto standard. I hope people use it, but many don't even use the .spk format years after that tool was released. As such, to keep to the lowest common denominator as much as possible, I try to get scripts/mods in straight .zip format to keep documentation and filing a bit more consistent looking on my machine. Which brings up the next concern...

2. I'm not sure how this is different from Cycrow's program, other than it seems to only require an additional .xml file rather than repacking in .spk format, but all in all it seems very similar. I'm sure there must be some advantages or I doubt you'd have spent the time to make it. But I guess my concern is, if so many mods won't use .spk format even years of it being around, will this become yet another program everyone has to download in order to be able to install certain mods? As I said earlier, I try to always use .zip, but some only come in .spk... so for some mods I have to have Plugin Manager (which is great btw, it's just not every modder makes .spks so I try to get only .zips). So now I have to have Plugin Manager *and* your tool. I'm not sure about everyone else, but I hate cluttering up my computer, especially if it's with single purpose, highly specialized software of which I now must have 2 different versions, but both do pretty much the same thing.

I hope you know what I'm trying to say, I tend to ramble. In any case, I hope *some* sort of standardized interface catches on to become a nearly 100% standard, and it may as well be yours.

[Sam L.R. Griffiths]

Checking compatibility and ensuring you didn't make any mistakes encourages an elaborate system of personal documentation and incremental backups... as a safety net... that it really becomes quite the undertaking.

This is kind of where my tool Changeling will eventually come into play, which is designed from the outset to (a) hide the details of what files need to be modified as much as possible, (b) ensure consistency between datafiles by enforcing referential integrity, and (c) (to eventually) provide semi-automatic/automatic mod conflict resolution.

With regards to 1: it will either happen or it won't. I think killerog is just addressing his own concerns, if it grows out beyond that then all well and good. It does not really matter either way though.

With regards to 2: I think the tool is more a helper than a mandate. Unlike SPK and Plug-in Manager, you still have the choice of manual install with out having to use any tools other than standard archiving programs you probably already have.

[killerog]

In regards to the file format bit. This program uses zip files so for mod creators only one file needs to be up loaded and kept up to date. This can be the same zip folder that is used for manual install. Just removes the human error part.

Remember I to am a mod creator so am looking at this from both my perspective and that of the end user. The easier it is for me to use the more likely I and others will use it. That's why text files are used for the change log(just copy and paste from forum/website quickly), text file for version number and 1 Xml file that only needs to be created once.

If it doesn't take off then meh. I've learnt a lot while making it and its been a fun challenge.

With changeling also being built. Either people have a choice, or these programs can be used side by side or even merged if there is any reason to do so.

[killerog]

It now flags up any file conflicts (out side of .dat files) that will be over written when a new mod is installed.

About the only thing it cant do is check .dat files and compare/merge them but that's what changeling will do. So in my eyes it looks like these two programs could work side by side or be combined.

This one as a front end/downloader/installed (unless changeling dose that as well only had time to have a quick look) and changeling as a way to merge multiple mods.

[Sam L.R. Griffiths]

About the only thing it cant do is check .dat files and compare/merge them but that's what changeling will do. So in my eyes it looks like these two programs could work side by side or be combined.

This one as a front end/downloader/installed (unless changeling dose that as well only had time to have a quick look) and changeling as a way to merge multiple mods.

Changeling is primarily aimed at being a mod merge/creation/reconfiguration/tailoring tool, the idea being anyone (not just modders) can tweak their game configuration to how they want it. Not happy with the speed of the ships in XTC for instance, Changeling should eventually be able to support increasing the ship speeds either across the board or for only specific groups of ships. In addition, there will be a Game Start Editor/Creator with support for internationalisation of the game start text.

[killerog]

So it would fit right into what I have developed then ?

As from my point of view it looks like your program does everything mine doesn't and visa versa.

[killerog]

Tool has been released. Currently only contains my mods but hopefully this will increase now the version version is out for testing.

Even if you don't want/have the mods you want, if you are able to test this it would be of great help.

[killerog]

New version released, check op for changes.

Please download if you use any of my mods.

[killerog]

New version released, check op for changes.

Please download if you use any of my mods.

[OzWookie]

Hey killerog, Looks like your program doesn't want to work in Win7 x64. Everytime it starts windows always reports that it's stopped working. Got the latest version of your site last night. Even trying to run it in XP Compatibility mode didn't work.

[Sam L.R. Griffiths]

Hey killerog, Looks like your program doesn't want to work in Win7 x64. Everytime it starts windows always reports that it's stopped working. Got the latest version of your site last night. Even trying to run it in XP Compatibility mode didn't work.

Have you tried running it as Administrator?

[StarCrack]

Hving the same problem as OzWookie running XP. tried running as admin no dice

[killerog]

I have and run win 7 x64 so I know it runs on it. Not tested XP as I don't have a copy of it anymore.

Is there any error messages?