Hi,
When we need to update a modification, we can run into problems. Sometimes we've had to tweak previous modification code, and now it won't uninstall correctly. Sometimes the problems can arise from another modification altering code after the mod we are now looking to update. When we make our own small tweaks, these can be lost with forum upgrades.
What I'd like to see developed is a modification system that lies outside of the forum system that can manage all the forum files. All that should be displayed in the forum admin section is an alert to important updates, and a convenient login to the file manager system manager. The new manager would log all the mods we install, AND the order in which they were installed. If we we try to uninstall a mod that involves files that have been altered by a subsequent mod, then those mods should be TEMPORARILY uninstalled, the mod removed, and the other mods reinstalled - this should all be done automatically.
If we make our own mini modifications, then the system should make these into a mini modification package, and log it as it would with any other mods. This way we have an easy system for adding these again (or potentially at least), when the forum software is updated. If we tweak a mod, then the system should allow us to do this within the mod package itself (and it be marked as version 2), and it update the forum files automatically. When uninstalling the mod, the uninstall will work smoothly by using the version 2 files to remove the modification.
The modification manager needs to be separate from the forum so that the interface is not reliant upon the forum being operational - at present when a faultily or incompatible modification is installed, it can kill the forum of course and our access to the manager.
I can appreciate that this would be a pretty big change, but it really does need to be a feature rather than a mod. Since files will be managed by a standalone system, I think it would really need the sanction and participation of SMF.
So, am I the only one that thinks the package manager could be radically improved!? ::)
There are a few package manager updates in 2.0 and I believe there are probably more to come :)
That's good to know, H. Are the new features outlined anywhere?
I still think a stand alone package manager would be better. One that properly logs changes, and allows for fully automated uninstalls even to mods that have been subsequently altered by other mods. Additionally it should manage any minor tweaks we introduce.
LainaaThat's good to know, H. Are the new features outlined anywhere?
Not yet :)