New JSGME update coming - feedback sought

[JScones]

Through some prompting from Alain (Subsim nick "ACSoft"), I've started looking into a few little enhancements that may make life easier for JSGME users.

I've already implemented two new features:

- Recording of new files added by mods is now more efficient, resulting in faster mod enabling and less HD space taken with backups

- Now warns when a mod adds new folders that were added by previously enabled mods

The third area I want to tackle in the next release is that little chestnut where users either independantly rename or delete mods from their hard drive that are still enabled, thus creating a situation where the mods can not be removed from the game, causing problems that in most instances can only be rectified by a full game re-install (simply because they don't realise what they've actually done). Unfortunately, there's nothing proactive that JSGME can do in this situation; this all comes back to good housekeeping on the part of the user.

However, I'm thinking of adding a check when JSGME loads that will look for these "orphan" entries, that is, mods that are enabled but no source MODS\<Mod Name> folder can be found. My proposed warning message will be:

Mod "X" has been enabled but the source files can not be found!

This usually occurs if you rename or delete an enabled mod from the MODS folder without disabling the mod first. You should now rename or reinstall the mod into the MODS folder and correctly disable it before deleting it from your hard drive.

It is recommended that you do this before enabling or disabling any other mods.

[OK]

Whilst I don't want to get into a semantic wordsmithing discussion, I welcome any feedback from you guys, the users, as this scenario is prolly the most common problem to affect users.

Basically, I'm keen to make sure that the error message is clear and easily understood by those of you who have in the past, for whatever reason, managed to rename or delete an enabled mod and thence wondered what has happened, or only realised once it's too late.

PS: I also welcome anyone offering to translate the interface into more languages. It's very easy to do and requires nothing more than translating entries stored in a text file. Current languages available are: Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Portuguese (Brazilian), Polish, Greek, Catalan and Galician. Feedback from native speakers of these languages have highlighted the benefit and accessibility that the translations afford, especially to those not confident with the English language.

[vanjast]

As most people should install your great proggy before they start adding mods, they would thus have a clean SH4 installation.

This might take up HD space but it might be worth it to make a back up of the files that are changed for the first time, into an 'original' folder. These files are the vanilla version of the game, so if the mods get corrupted one just has to reload these files to get back to 'Square One'.

I haven't looked at your proggy for a while, but does it keep a heirarchial sequence record of the mods that have been done. You know when a particular file can be replaced many times via different mods. This might help with the unloading sequence, cos sometimes I cannot remember after 6 months which mod was loaded before the other.

[JScones]

Originally Posted by vanjast

This might take up HD space but it might be worth it to make a back up of the files that are changed for the first time, into an 'original' folder. These files are the vanilla version of the game, so if the mods get corrupted one just has to reload these files to get back to 'Square One'.

Now this would really be a bandaid for sloppy housekeeping. I mean, creating *two* backups? Nah...

Personally I think that if users have the HD space they should create a backup of their games *before* making any changes. If something then goes wrong, there's no need to hunt out the original disc and reinstall, just simply delete the dodgy installation and recopy from the clean backup. Easy.

Originally Posted by vanjast

I haven't looked at your proggy for a while, but does it keep a heirarchial sequence record of the mods that have been done. You know when a particular file can be replaced many times via different mods. This might help with the unloading sequence, cos sometimes I cannot remember after 6 months which mod was loaded before the other.

The Activated Mods list displays the mods in the order in which they were enabled, so there's no chance of forgetting the order you enabled them.

To answer your main question though, yes, JSGME maintains a record of what mods have changed what files. JSGME will not allow you to disable a mod that has had files modified by subsequently enabled mods.

Originally Posted by coronas

I make it for my own: Is it posible make subfolders in mod folder like "war ships mod", "merchants mod", "air mod", "skin mod"? List of addons grow and grow and it would be easier and collectible instalation.

Sorry, this would be too confusing. JSGME copies the folders and files from the mod folder into the game as it finds them (hence why file structure is so important). Adding an extra layer of subfolders will break the file/folder integrity required to ensure the files get correctly placed into the game and will simply make things messy to manage.

My advice would be to rename your mods with consistent naming if you want to keep them together. Alternatively, you can combine separate mods yourself into one folder structure if you know you'll always want to enable them all together.

Originally Posted by jcwolf

Is there a possibelity of, in the main window that opens
on the desktop, make the possible to drag mod folders
from the Desktop and drop into the JSGME window so that
you don't have to go to SHIII directory searching for
the GMod enabler mods folder?

Originally Posted by leovampire

#1. The drag and drop feature for the mod's into the open JSGME window is a good idea.

It's in - if JSGME is open you can drag and drop folders from Explorer, Desktop etc and JSGME will move them into the MODS folder for you.

Originally Posted by Racerboy

how about a log of what files were modified by what mod? Like press a button and a history is printed of what mod modified which files.

Originally Posted by leovampire

#2. Being able to get a list of what mod changes what in the game folders to easily pinpoint a problem.

The next release will include something like this, but not visible to the general user, and not this elaborate. A user-friendly report might come in a later version, once it's clear *exactly* what would provide most benefit.

Originally Posted by Racerboy

And mitigate the bug where if a file is replaced (accidently) by a file of smaller or bigger size and/or deleted it won't disable the mod when you ask it to.

Poor user housekeeping and manually deleting files can hardly be considered a bug in JSGME - user's must take some responsibility for their actions. However, see post above; this issue is now hopefully moot.

Originally Posted by Racerboy

I've also noticed that if you try and enable a mod that has a new folder that isn't already on your hard drive it won't make and install the files for that folder.

I must be misunderstanding your problem - players have added new ships, planes etc (ie new folders and files) for years without any problems.

Originally Posted by Wolfehunter

Game STALKER there "smart Mod Manager" can give you the option to choose which mod get the priority when files are conflicting. It doesn't merge or overright the file just move the appropriate file of choice. Can this be done while installing new mods that might conflict with current enabled mods?
Heres there link to there mod. Should you want to see it or ask questions.
http://www.gsc-game.com/index.php?t=...ype=xr&lang=en

I'm sure someone has already raised this and I answered accordingly. Can't find it now...

Originally Posted by Wolfehunter

Can there be a link to click on that directly opens your MODS folder. Nothing fancy. I know I can make a shortcut on the desktop but this addition would be nice.

Right-click any available mod and select "Explore".

Originally Posted by leovampire

#3. Having JSGME refresh it's self so you do not have to remember to close it out than add a mod then reopen JSGME to make it refresh.

I'm looking into this.

Originally Posted by leovampire

Thanks for working on this great program some more JScones. I know you have already updated it once or twice already. When payday comes look for another donation for the new work.

Thanks mate, your support (and indeed that of all donators) is greatly appreciated.

[longam]

A progress bar representing the HD activity.

[TDK1044]

My plea would be for everyone to remember that donations are gratefully received at the JSGME website. This software has enabled simpletons like me to add and remove mods at will....something I would never have done before the JSGME. So when we go and get the new version, let's leave a little something for Santa.

[ReallyDedPoet]

Originally Posted by TDK1044

My plea would be for everyone to remember that donations are gratefully received at the JSGME website. This software has enabled simpletons like me to add and remove mods at will....something I would never have done before the JSGME. So when we go and get the new version, let's leave a little something for Santa.

Well said TDK. I remember not using JSGME in my earlier days here , what a mistake that was. This is a great little app. The proposed changes will only add to its effectiveness.

Thanks JScones Also, thanks to those members here that have contributed with suggestions, etc.


RDP

[JCWolf]

Originally Posted by JScones

Now this would really be a bandaid for sloppy housekeeping. I mean, creating *two* backups? Nah...

Personally I think that if users have the HD space they should create a backup of their games *before* making any changes. If something then goes wrong, there's no need to hunt out the original disc and reinstall, just simply delete the dodgy installation and recopy from the clean backup. Easy.

The Activated Mods list displays the mods in the order in which they were enabled, so there's no chance of forgetting the order you enabled them.

To answer your main question though, yes, JSGME maintains a record of what mods have changed what files. JSGME will not allow you to disable a mod that has had files modified by subsequently enabled mods.

Sorry, this would be too confusing. JSGME copies the folders and files from the mod folder into the game as it finds them (hence why file structure is so important). Adding an extra layer of subfolders will break the file/folder integrity required to ensure the files get correctly placed into the game and will simply make things messy to manage.

My advice would be to rename your mods with consistent naming if you want to keep them together. Alternatively, you can combine separate mods yourself into one folder structure if you know you'll always want to enable them all together.

It's in - if JSGME is open you can drag and drop folders from Explorer, Desktop etc and JSGME will move them into the MODS folder for you.

The next release will include something like this, but not visible to the general user, and not this elaborate. A user-friendly report might come in a later version, once it's clear *exactly* what would provide most benefit.

Poor user housekeeping and manually deleting files can hardly be considered a bug in JSGME - user's must take some responsibility for their actions. However, see post above; this issue is now hopefully moot.

I must be misunderstanding your problem - players have added new ships, planes etc (ie new folders and files) for years without any problems.

I'm sure someone has already raised this and I answered accordingly. Can't find it now...

Right-click any available mod and select "Explore".

I'm looking into this.

Thanks mate, your support (and indeed that of all donators) is greatly appreciated.

Thank you JScones,

This is another Great improvement on the allready great tool mate!

[Tikigod]

BUILT-IN TEXT COMPARE TOOL

1) Maybe a built in text file compare tool? for comparing differences in two cfg files etc. I use your mod manager for many games and a text compare tool could be used alot in modding other games as well.

BUILT-IN NEW MOD EMPTY FOLDER/DIRECTORY TREE CREATOR

2) Also, I like to make my own custom mods on the fly. I would like some sort of tool to duplicate an entire directory stucture. Basically I select the last child folder that contains my files I want to change then your program will duplicate the child and all its parent folders and place copies of the structure into the MODs folder. This will allow me to just throw in the modded files into the empty folders your program created.

Example: I have 3 texture files that are for a new mod. I want them to go into d:\program files\ubijunk\sh12\Data\Textures (jsgme.exe is located in sh12)....Instead of creating all my own folders to make up the mod....I'd would press a button called "Create Mod" ...it would open a window that allows me to make a name for my initial mod folder. I then press "Add Folder" and select the bottom most folder of the game and then it would copy and create all the parent folders plus the folder I selected into the MODS folder where the jsgme.exe resides. If I want to add more folders to the mod I just press "Add folder" again if not I press "Finalize Mod Tree" to create all the empty folder structures. Then I just have to drop the files into that last folder to make my mod. (Rather than making folder after folder manually.)

In some games the directory trees get pretty long and extensive with the more changes you make for a mod. Having a built-in tool in JSGME to copy and create empty directory trees in MODS folder would save alot of time in making new experimental mods or tweaks. Especially when testing 3-4 versions.

[longam]

Windows Vista

I was struggling to find the MODS folder after the installation of JSGME and always thought it was something to do with the compatibility files selection or installing it outside of Program files area. What it really turned out to be was just launching the program, after you do this the MODS folder appears.

FYI

[JScones]

Originally Posted by Tikigod

BUILT-IN TEXT COMPARE TOOL

1) Maybe a built in text file compare tool? for comparing differences in two cfg files etc. I use your mod manager for many games and a text compare tool could be used alot in modding other games as well.

Actually I noticed I hadn't responded to your comments and was going to do so yesterday, but I saw jimimadrid's new text editor thread, and thought that I'd wait and let that get exposure first.

Anyway, as you may know, SH3Cmdr has been doing file mergings for quite a while, so my revelation a few weeks ago (from when it was last mentioned) was to lift and shift the function across to JSGME (it's a self contained function, no changes necessary) after I rewrote JSGME's engine (which I've now done and testing has been nothing but positive). That means that nearly every SH3 and SH4 file would be "merge capable" (binary and text), I'd just then need to expand it to include XML files and the like (to keep the "Generic" in the name ).

Basically, if you're familiar with SH3Cmdr's Static/Randomised Settings feature, you've got a good idea about how it would work.

The big challenge is making it user friendly and presenting it in a way that doesn't turn off players that just want to "install and run". And in doing so balancing it with accuracy. I mean, changing the deck gun rate would be sweet, but if mod A changes six elements of stock SH4's menu.ini file and mod B changes two elements of the same file, is there a guarantee that all will be sweet? Ultimately, there would still need to be some manual intervention if things go wrong and I don't want to give users heart attacks by showing them menu.ini file contents!

At least there's no immediate hurry now - while I work it out, give jimimadrid's tool a spin.

Originally Posted by Tikigod

BUILT-IN NEW MOD EMPTY FOLDER/DIRECTORY TREE CREATOR

2) Also, I like to make my own custom mods on the fly. I would like some sort of tool to duplicate an entire directory stucture. Basically I select the last child folder that contains my files I want to change then your program will duplicate the child and all its parent folders and place copies of the structure into the MODs folder. This will allow me to just throw in the modded files into the empty folders your program created.

Example: I have 3 texture files that are for a new mod. I want them to go into d:\program files\ubijunk\sh12\Data\Textures (jsgme.exe is located in sh12)....Instead of creating all my own folders to make up the mod....I'd would press a button called "Create Mod" ...it would open a window that allows me to make a name for my initial mod folder. I then press "Add Folder" and select the bottom most folder of the game and then it would copy and create all the parent folders plus the folder I selected into the MODS folder where the jsgme.exe resides. If I want to add more folders to the mod I just press "Add folder" again if not I press "Finalize Mod Tree" to create all the empty folder structures. Then I just have to drop the files into that last folder to make my mod. (Rather than making folder after folder manually.)

In some games the directory trees get pretty long and extensive with the more changes you make for a mod. Having a built-in tool in JSGME to copy and create empty directory trees in MODS folder would save alot of time in making new experimental mods or tweaks. Especially when testing 3-4 versions.

Good idea - maybe not v2.0, but certainly a consideration for v2.1.

As an aside, in addition to other new features I've posted, v2.0 players will be able to rename mod folders from within JSGME. I didn't think it would be that big an enhancement, but I find it most helpful.

[Wolfehunter]

Originally Posted by JScones

I'm sure someone has already raised this and I answered accordingly. Can't find it now...

Right-click any available mod and select "Explore".


Thanks mate, your support (and indeed that of all donators) is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for answering. :p I already knew about the right click and explore. I was hoping for a direct quick link to MODS folder. I need it for testing newer mods and work I'm doing. Its long to do that process over and over. Oh well I can live with it.

Originally Posted by Tikigod

BUILT-IN NEW MOD EMPTY FOLDER/DIRECTORY TREE CREATOR

Great idea.

[JScones]

Originally Posted by Wolfehunter

Thanks for answering. :p I already knew about the right click and explore. I was hoping for a direct quick link to MODS folder. I need it for testing newer mods and work I'm doing. Its long to do that process over and over. Oh well I can live with it.

I mustn't be fully understanding the catalyst behind your request. I mean, I have no problem right-clicking a mod, any mod, selecting Explore and then seeing myself in the MODS folder structure in Windows Explorer. The MODS root folder itself is no more than one further click away.

In the situation you've outlined, why wouldn't you just right click and explore the newer mod you're working on? I assume it's in the MODS folder, hence in JSGME's "Available Mods" list?

I mean, I can easily add an "Explore MODS folder" task, but I really want to understand what great benefit it would provide, especially as it seems to me that it would save merely one mouse click.

[JScones]

Guys, I've just sent emails to those of you who have supported JSGME development, offering you a play with the next release. If you've donated, or contributed in the past by way of testing or language translating, but haven't received an email from me, pls email or PM me (some emails bounced and unfortunately it can be hard reconciling names to forum nicks here let alone for users who frequent other forums).

@Everyone: I want to compile a list of games that JSGME is known to work with. So far I have:

European Air War
Panzer Elite
Silent Hunter III/IV
Battle Of Britain II
CFS3
IL2 Series
Total War Series

If you are aware of any other games where JSGME is used, or supported, can you pls post here.

Thanks

[Wolfehunter]

Originally Posted by JScones

I mustn't be fully understanding the catalyst behind your request. I mean, I have no problem right-clicking a mod, any mod, selecting Explore and then seeing myself in the MODS folder structure in Windows Explorer. The MODS root folder itself is no more than one further click away.

In the situation you've outlined, why wouldn't you just right click and explore the newer mod you're working on? I assume it's in the MODS folder, hence in JSGME's "Available Mods" list?

I mean, I can easily add an "Explore MODS folder" task, but I really want to understand what great benefit it would provide, especially as it seems to me that it would save merely one mouse click.

Its ok Jscones. It was just an Idea. You have more important updates to do. Plus 2 more seconds isn't going to kill me. Mod enabler is fine. I have no issues. What ever updates you guys do will just be a bonus. Keep up the hard work guys. We all appreciate it.

I have a question regarding the current JSGME if you have the time.

If mod A is enabled and working but later an updated mod B comes around and asks to enable it over the mod A. Does that overwrite the original files or does it merge them?

[coronas]

I make it for my own: Is it posible make subfolders in mod folder like "war ships mod", "merchants mod", "air mod", "skin mod"? List of addons grow and grow and it would be easier and collectible instalation.
Cheers!