Hey everyone! I just thought I'd stop in and give a little update on what I've been doing lately...
Since
June, ScottyBoy (http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?action=profile;user=ScottyBoy) and I have been partnering up and coding a mod site. Which is why my activity on SMF itself has dropped a ton within the past couple months.
In turn, the mod site is just about done, and I have decided to take a short break from developing the actual mod site and it's systems to construct a highly requested mod, and also one that I have considered developing previously for quite a long time.
What am I developing? A Menu Editor.
Some may ask, how is it different from a mod such as this mod (http://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?mod=2657), this mod (http://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?mod=2259), or even this mod (http://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?mod=2564)?
The answer is very simple. The mod that I am currently developing is completely database driven.
For version 1.0, you will have complete control over SMF's default menu, and the option to configure a top menu.
Here is the feature set for version 1.0.
Version 1.0 Feature Set
- Database Driven Base Navigation System
- Add Tabs
- Remove Tabs
- Re-Arrange Tabs
- Configure Top Navigation System - For sidewide navigation
- Restore to Defaults
- Completely Permission Based Editing
- Sub-Buttons with same featureset
I would most definitely like opinions. Or, if you have a question, feel free to ask.
I will post screenshots shortly.
Note: The feature set for 1.0 is not guaranteed and is subject to change. Screenshots taken during development are also not the final product as changes are still being made.Labradoodle-360
Great job so far!
I would like it.
Hmm maybe someway to import menu options like if a mod is installed
The Add a Button feature would work for that? However, I will probably release some Portal Patches if allowed by the portal author that add the portal button automatically.
I was thinking at least with SMF 2.0 you can parse the array and check it against the database and if isn't found add a menu item.
This is actually a planned feature add on for the dream pages on DP. I planned to implement it around v1.0.1
Cool! And thanks for the suggestion vbgamer, I'll look into that.
Not had any time to develop today, but the project is definitely coming well.
That is a good sign ;P
Thought it was about time I released a screenshot.
And of course, this is all subject to change.
(http://i38.tinypic.com/mtpdv9.jpg)
Direct Link: http://i38.tinypic.com/mtpdv9.jpg
Labradoodle-360
what about submenus and stuff or what about permissions
Looks nice I would add permissions too if you can by membergroup
What do you mean? The "Show" field allows you to define who it shows to.
Quote from: vbgamer45 on August 23, 2010, 12:55:33 PM
Looks nice I would add permissions too if you can by membergroup
Submenu's are coming. This is still in development, and I am doing one function at a time.
Quote from: Oya on August 23, 2010, 12:35:46 PM
what about submenus and stuff or what about permissions
Quote from: Labradoodle-360 on August 23, 2010, 01:28:44 PM
What do you mean? The "Show" field allows you to define who it shows to.Quote from: vbgamer45 on August 23, 2010, 12:55:33 PM
Looks nice I would add permissions too if you can by membergroup
Because it's not at all user friendly. Also, using it like that means a bunch of unnecessarily complicated code.
I think that you would want plenty of explanatory text covering variables allowed in the 'Link To' (tokens for $boardurl and $scripturl at the least, I would suppose) and how to construct the 'Show' (would it take a regular in_array of group numbers; does it allow logical ORs/ANDs,what are some of the basic permission 'flag' names like can_admin/can_moderate/is_guest that can be used), either on this screen or in a Help popup (or some of both).
And, I fear the concerns about user-friendliness may be true. Unless you have this as the 'advanced' interface and a 'simple' one limited to checkboxes and/or select dropdowns, it's going to have a lot of users absolutely stymied (just what you're trying to alleviate by making menu modifications easier).
so if you put in "true" field: "is_admin" only admins can see it? and only "is_guest" for guests?
As these suggestions have come in, and I have considered the best approach to a better system, I am working on a complete overhaul of how the mod works.
Thanks guys! I'll post some updates as they come.
Labradoodle-360
/me thinks that Runic is incorrect.
/me thinks this is very worth it!
and we all know about you kcmartz dont we :)
/me says not. He can be unpredictable!
Please, can we get this back on topic? This is for a Menu Editor. Not for discussing Kcmartz personality or predictability.
Also, Runic: I think that was very uncalled for, and it was definitely discouraging.
On topic:
I cannot wait to try it, since it will be free! (As far as I know)
If you want to set permissions... just take a look to any SMF mod who has it or just take a look to the permissions comments...
Quote from: Runic on August 24, 2010, 06:28:08 AMand we all know about you kcmartz dont we :)
I hope to see a Brack1's reply... soon :P
So Labradoodle, might I ask how you plan on doing this mod?
Can't tell you, yet :P
labradoodle if you dont like the heat dont play in the flames ... simple
Quote from: Kcmartz on August 25, 2010, 02:39:34 AM
Can't tell you, yet :P
*shrugs* My version is already done...
do find it funny that hadesflames ask labradoodle specially and kcmartz responds ....
I still think you are in over your head. You don't understand the complications of this mod. It is very simple in theory.
Quote from: Robbo_ on August 25, 2010, 08:42:12 AM
I still think you are in over your head. You don't understand the complications of this mod. It is very simple in theory.
Depending on how he does it, it can be quite easy to make. If he's doing it the way I think he's doing it, then it won't be too hard to code, it also won't be too customizable.
so we all know ive seen the code for aldo's and its good with lots of nice options
Quote from: hadesflames on August 25, 2010, 09:42:03 AM
Quote from: Robbo_ on August 25, 2010, 08:42:12 AM
I still think you are in over your head. You don't understand the complications of this mod. It is very simple in theory.
Depending on how he does it, it can be quite easy to make. If he's doing it the way I think he's doing it, then it won't be too hard to code, it also won't be too customizable.
Sorry. But I don't believe you know what you are talking about. If he wants to do it how it should be done then there are various 'hoops to jump' simply because of how SMF is coded. I am already making a menu manager which will be out when I have time and I have met these 'hoops' and know how to get over them. It is just a matter of having time.
menu editor race has begun!!!!
Quote from: Runic on August 25, 2010, 03:22:08 PM
menu editor race has begun!!!!
Lol. If he can make one which works how I need then there is no need for me to make one ;) So there is no 'race'.
I am sticking with labradoodles, vb's mods as much as possible.
First of all Runic, as he has stated, this is not a race. If he completes his first, okay, mine is over. If I complete mine first, okay.
Secondly, it's too bad you guys are so discouraging and doubtful of my ability to code up such a mod.
Kcmartz - This is not a contest, and Robbo_ may very well complete this first, it all depends on my schedule, as I've not done any development on it since I overhauled it yesterday afternoon.
Labradoodle-360
labradoodle, and have you gave anyone any indication previously on how well you can code ... didnt think so... all your mods are small tweaks .
Labradoodle, I didn't mean it as a contest, its just vB and your mods have been so helpful!
Actually, I have. It's just not public yet. It's what I've been working on since June, why my activity has dropped. It's also been the best learning experience for me in the coding world. And that is also the only reason I am skill wise able to write a mod like this, as it is complex, and I
do agree, my mods are not showing a ton of experience right now.
But does that mean I don't have it now? Check the date of my last submitted mod.
Quote from: Runic on August 25, 2010, 06:43:05 PM
labradoodle, and have you gave anyone any indication previously on how well you can code ... didnt think so... all your mods are small tweaks .
Labradoodle-360, if you cant understand why people are doubtful then you need to really think, yeh I see date of your last mod released but I also know your history from SMF ...
Quote from: Kcmartz on August 25, 2010, 06:54:55 PM
Labradoodle, I didn't mean it as a contest, its just vB and your mods have been so helpful!
and what about all the mods everyone else has written aren't they helpful
You promised to support your existing mods for the community and most of them hadn't been updated in a while...
so can you see why people are skeptical?
Alright guys, lets cool it down.
Can we encourage his creation and help him out with it rather than going against it? Atleast he's giving a shot by doing some work over it while all the offenders just bring the hopes down. Give him some tips on how can he overcome the problems rather than, "Just bin it dude! It is waaaay out of your league!"
Quote from: Oya on August 25, 2010, 07:06:05 PM
Quote from: Kcmartz on August 25, 2010, 06:54:55 PM
Labradoodle, I didn't mean it as a contest, its just vB and your mods have been so helpful!
and what about all the mods everyone else has written aren't they helpful
I personally don't use Labradoodle's or vB's mods, not that they are bad, they are great mods, my site just doesn't have a need for them.
And I'll repeat myself for those who have trouble understanding a compliment, they are great mods.
that doesnt answer my question are you all saying that everyone elses mods are rubbish or what
Quote from: Robbo_ on August 25, 2010, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: hadesflames on August 25, 2010, 09:42:03 AM
Quote from: Robbo_ on August 25, 2010, 08:42:12 AM
I still think you are in over your head. You don't understand the complications of this mod. It is very simple in theory.
Depending on how he does it, it can be quite easy to make. If he's doing it the way I think he's doing it, then it won't be too hard to code, it also won't be too customizable.
Sorry. But I don't believe you know what you are talking about. If he wants to do it how it should be done then there are various 'hoops to jump' simply because of how SMF is coded. I am already making a menu manager which will be out when I have time and I have met these 'hoops' and know how to get over them. It is just a matter of having time.
No, it is that you do not understand what I mean. What I mean is that if Labradoodle does his mod the way I think he will, HIS version of it will not be so complex, and it will also not be all that customizable. I know what it takes to make this mod work at its fullest potential. My version already does everything it needs to do.
@Oya
No we aren't. We like everyone's creativeness on whatever they code and we really appreciate your skills. If they weren't up to the standards, they wouldn't have passed customization. ;)
Quote from: (F.L.A.M.E.R) on August 25, 2010, 09:04:02 PM
@Oya
No we aren't. We like everyone's creativeness on whatever they code and we really appreciate your skills. If they weren't up to the standards, they wouldn't have passed customization. ;)
really, why has a customizer admitted to not testing one of his own mods, that should have been tested before it got approved...
also there is:
http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=368901.0 (http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=368901.0) - where it breaks a core SMF function in the process and http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=368902.0 (http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=368902.0) and even http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=382553.msg2636732#msg2636732 (http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=382553.msg2636732#msg2636732)
and just while im giving you links admittance from vbgamer:
http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=364169.msg2577310#msg2577310 (http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=364169.msg2577310#msg2577310)
shall I continue ... why not ... further admittance:
http://arantor.org/index.php?topic=112.msg1705#msg1705 (http://arantor.org/index.php?topic=112.msg1705#msg1705) - "Antispam links was a mistake I thought it would work due to the fact it was the exact same mod used on SMF site so released it as customize user." and http://arantor.org/index.php?topic=112.msg1709#msg1709 (http://arantor.org/index.php?topic=112.msg1709#msg1709)
I am also sure there are some on my site :)
If this continues, in all honesty, I am going to lock this topic.
I am SO TIRED of discouraging comments and such as this topic clearly displays. And yes, I have left SMF before with no intent on returning before due to such topics and posts such as Runic has carried on in a WORK IN PROGRESS. - NOT bash Labradoodle-360 and his past work.
It seems to me that no one can look past the beginning experience of a new coder and see the potential they could have. As, since June, I have definitely learned enough to code this mod.
I am also saddened even by hadesflames responses, I take as slight insults of my coding skill/knowledge to not cover the basis to have a good powerful Menu Editor mod.
As for Dismal Shadow's post, I am updating my mods, I have been working on a mod site since June, to better support my mods, and also so a team and I could write better ones and improve the ones I currently have; so this is still in the works, and I never promised a timeframe.
then prove us wrong!!! its that simple
I don't plan on proving anybody wrong. Except for you.
and hadesflames and everyone that doubts you ... as you well know im not the only one ... also contradicting yourself isnt a good step forward ;)
People can doubt me, they'll be surprised in the end. That's their choice. And I have no problem with people doubting me, that's life, it's going to happen.
The thing I have a problem with is people posting discouraging comments and insults on my Work in Progress topic.
of course its going to happen, look at your 30 other mods, its perfect example why people doubt you. You have promised many times you will do something and you never follow through, thats also why people doubt you, two months to get a mod site up look at arantor took him 1 hour, took me 4 days and im not a modder. Updating your mods yeh you will get to them when? when a forum crashes? when you have caused someone to lose everything?
Quote from: Runic on August 25, 2010, 09:56:28 PM
of course its going to happen, look at your 30 other mods, its perfect example why people doubt you. You have promised many times you will do something and you never follow through, thats also why people doubt you, two months to get a mod site up look at arantor took him 1 hour, took me 4 days and im not a modder. Updating your mods yeh you will get to them when? when a forum crashes? when you have caused someone to lose everything?
Why would they crash a whole forum when for you they are "Tweaks"? The real question is... why are you bulling him? I'm not in any side... but you should leave him do whatever he wants to, and then criticize him as much as you want.
Discouraging people shouldn't be the idea of this board... and even when i'm not the greatest coder ever, i know what i can do and what i can't, and i hate (and most people do) when someone only point that and not the effort.
DM: even a small change can cause issues, specially if the code in first place is buggy. and this isnt bullying this is stating what is obvious through past and current actions (its also in essence a famous motivational principle well the fundamentals of it is)
Quote from: Runic on August 25, 2010, 10:11:29 PM
DM: even a small change can cause issues, specially if the code in first place is buggy. and this isnt bullying this is stating what is obvious through past and current actions (its also in essence a famous motivational principle well the fundamentals of it is)
I know you tell the truth... and that's something that i like about you... but sometimes you must know when to stop, before you become a troll and not an advisor.
You have good points, but you don't have (yet) a valid argument, because the mod isn't even available as beta or RC... maybe it can be a disaster, maybe don't... there's your chance to help him, to make him a better coder... but it's up to you... i know there's good on you, Runic... somewhere :P
I am helping him, more than you see, go read on motivational theories by Herzberg
Quote from: Labradoodle-360 on August 25, 2010, 09:42:14 PM
I am also saddened even by hadesflames responses, I take as slight insults of my coding skill/knowledge to not cover the basis to have a good powerful Menu Editor mod.
All I've said thus far is that if you're coding it the way I assume you are, then it won't be as powerful as mine. Hence my question:
Quote from: hadesflames on August 24, 2010, 11:58:46 PM
So Labradoodle, might I ask how you plan on doing this mod?
As of now, I am working on the framework, the queries for adding, removing and the actual buttons.
Edit: Not to raise confusion or so people don't assume it's taken me this long to write the simple queries.
But I have overhauled the system 3 times as I have found better approaches and more effective ways of writing the code. So my time for these functions have been in optimization to make sure they're at their best.
I'm not to Modifying/Changing Position, which are, as I feel the two most difficult things.
Labradoodle, I am supporting you the best I possibly can ATM. Ok?
Just thought I'd give a quick update on the development progress.
Lately I have been busy with real life, and when I have had time to develop I have had to divide it into multiple projects that I am doing, so I've not had a ton of time recently to work on it.
However, the latest news is that the top menu is up and functioning via the Admin panel, working very nicely.
A lot is still left to improve. I plan on working on the Modify system tomorrow.
thanks for the update!
http://arantormods.com/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=34
*whistles* ::)
Looks good so far.
Will it support other mods adding to the menu, like portals, etc?
It should. Development has definitely stalled, due to a certain project that came up, mainly.
hadesflames: Hijacked thread...
Yeah, i noticed that too live :/
Also, is that the project your doing for the doc team? Because then your perfectly excused :D
Quote from: ѕησω on September 02, 2010, 07:28:50 PM
Looks good so far.
Will it support other mods adding to the menu, like portals, etc?
Mine sure does ;)
labradoodle ill use Dream Menu until it is done, ill be glad to test it on a test forum when u r ready tho!
Haha yes, actually...it is! :) Just about done.
Quote from: ѕησω on September 02, 2010, 07:58:10 PM
Yeah, i noticed that too live :/
Also, is that the project your doing for the doc team? Because then your perfectly excused :D
Good to here, groundup showed me the link to your site, the theme looks great!
snow, everyone i talked with labradoodle on gtalk, he stopped doing this mod "Dream Menu" ruined it for him. i am using that now...
so this mod is done. :(
Well dream menu doesn't do as much as I need so I'll keep mine hardcoded until I get my mod done if I actually get a chance.
Quote from: Robbo_ on September 07, 2010, 09:01:04 AM
Well dream menu doesn't do as much as I need so I'll keep mine hardcoded until I get my mod done if I actually get a chance.
What does you want it to do?
There is more coming for Dream Menu so keep your eyes peeled. :)
Dismal, is top menu editing included? I would love that!
I've decided not to add top menu because it requires nasty template edits which would only work on the default theme anyway. The point behind Dream Menu isn't to ruin Labradoodle, it's to create a simple, yet powerful menu editor that works regardless of how you have SMF set up. Adding template edits would ruin this vision of it for me, and I won't be doing it.
Quote from: hadesflames on September 07, 2010, 07:18:11 PMI've decided not to add top menu because it requires nasty template edits which would only work on the default theme anyway. The point behind Dream Menu isn't to ruin Labradoodle, it's to create a simple, yet powerful menu editor that works regardless of how you have SMF set up. Adding template edits would ruin this vision of it for me, and I won't be doing it.
And why don't you create a separate code wich allows you to edit top menu?
Quote from: hadesflames on September 07, 2010, 07:18:11 PM
because it requires nasty template edits which would only work on the default theme anyway.
Quote from: hadesflames on September 07, 2010, 08:05:14 PMQuote from: hadesflames on September 07, 2010, 07:18:11 PMbecause it requires nasty template edits which would only work on the default theme anyway.
create a sub-mod that only allows you to be used in curve... :P
or Labradoodle could just create his mod which is supposed to be so awesome with a top menu and everything. If he truly could do it, I don't see why Dream Menu is stopping him ::)
Is that supposed to be insulting hades?
To be quite honest, the reason I have halted development is because I see DreamMenu as a pretty good way of making menu's :P Because it is. I don't like duplicating features, and I don't see that much of a reason to create a mod solely for creating top menu's.
When my schedule is so busy, and I am honestly trying to be on for less, not more. I have more important things to do than write mods when a good alternative already exists.
It's not a problem of whether "I could" or not. I already have a beta of a top menu editor done, I just don't have the time or will right now to finish the beta to make it stable enough for a mod.
*shrugs*
hadesflames: smp's top menu works on my site with the custom themes. if he would expand for more than 5 links...
It does the exact same custom edit to the templates I had in mind. It won't necessarily work on all custom themes, just the ones that are curve copies (sure that's most of them, but I dislike it none the less)
Quote from: Kcmartz on September 08, 2010, 12:57:46 AM
hadesflames: smp's top menu works on my site with the custom themes. if he would expand for more than 5 links...
Does that mean 5 levels deep..? lol, I would really hate such a site, at the most I can cope with 3, as SMF now supports, but not 4-5.
Quote from: Labradoodle-360 on September 08, 2010, 12:27:09 AM
Is that supposed to be insulting hades?
To be quite honest, the reason I have halted development is because I see DreamMenu as a pretty good way of making menu's :P Because it is. I don't like duplicating features, and I don't see that much of a reason to create a mod solely for creating top menu's.
When my schedule is so busy, and I am honestly trying to be on for less, not more. I have more important things to do than write mods when a good alternative already exists.
It's not a problem of whether "I could" or not. I already have a beta of a top menu editor done, I just don't have the time or will right now to finish the beta to make it stable enough for a mod.
Isn't "Dream menu" a part of DreamPortal..? If so, it will still needed a menu editor for the ones not using it. And tbh, if any portal were to add a menu editor to its features, I would expect it to be much more tailored to the portal features, the categories/pages etc. in a easy manner. Not necessarily shuffle around the SMF menu items so much, although that would be needed to.
Quote from: Dismal Shadow on September 07, 2010, 09:34:20 AM
Quote from: Robbo_ on September 07, 2010, 09:01:04 AM
Well dream menu doesn't do as much as I need so I'll keep mine hardcoded until I get my mod done if I actually get a chance.
What does you want it to do?
There is more coming for Dream Menu so keep your eyes peeled. :)
Oh I will. The less work I have to do the better :)
The things I would like it to do is stuff that would make it less simple so you wouldn't want it added anyway I don't think. I just don't want to go into details, too tired :p
What is the top menu you are talking about? I am confused...
Yes Dream Menu is a part of Dream Portal, but I also made a stand alone version for those who might need it, but not want Dream Portal itself. As for the top menu, it like the menu here on SM.org at the top right (Home, Community, Download etc...)
Ah ok. I was thinking that might be it.
For now, I am going to lock this thread. If and when I decide to make a mod for my top menu editor, or even continue this mods development, I will unlock it.
Labradoodle-360