vB Product XML - What is the <options> tag used for?
 

Would someone be kind enough to tell me what the <options> tag is used for in a vB product xml file. An example would be great!

Also, <helptopics>, <cronentries>, <faqentries> are more self explanatory but I can't find any documentation on their syntax unless I've missed a section in the vB manual.

Thanks
Dusty

<options> is for new vbulletin options (obvious really ;))

The best way to find the syntax if you really want is to create a dummy product with a new option, new faq entry, new cron and new helptopic and export it.

BTW, there really is no need to manually create product xml files when vb does it all for you.

Unless it has to do with templates that is, I have yet to find a way to plug in a line into a template which is why I end up having to write most of my mod instructions manually, at least partially. I see some of you guys using nice tricks but by default I can't see where this is applicable utilizing the products throught the admin panel.

Thanks Paul

Dusty

Hi Paul

Sorry to revisit an old topic but, I have just created a new (admin) product and decided to place a help topic for it also. I went to the help manager, created the topic and all went well, I then downloaded the product to see it and found that the help topic was placed as phrases (the <helptopics> section not being used at all) and that the topic did no show when called for?

Any help you can give would be useful:)

Before 3.6 the help topics aren't included when you export a product, you have to insert them with your install code.

Hi

Thanks for the reply.
So, if I am running 3.6.* ?

Insert help topics under the helptopics section.

Hi
I am afraid that that is not the problem.

I've never played around with help topics so I wouldn't know much I'm afraid. I think it might be better to ask this at vBulletin.com.

Hi

Yes, I have just come to that conclusuion myself. It seems more that it is a section that is not operational perhaps. Thanks for the reply though :)

I bet I know. The vBulletin Default option must be set to yes or it won't get exported. No, it doesn't make any sense.

Hi Steve

Could you elucidate a little please? The vb default option for what?

Enable Debug Mode :).

Hi

Debug mode is permanently on in my test forums :)
I have what you mean now and yes,
I agree :D but, it seemed to do the trick!
It is, however, still confusing!
Aparently:
Create product
Go to help manager select add, select your product
add data as required. Save
Now, if you export that help file then it will be given a name that is the same as vb's master help file (confusion) as against the product management system that name the file after the product (less confusion) The upshot is that you have to rename the file of course.
That can then be used to upload the help section as is or, go the other route and export the product. That is then loaded with the help section but, the helptopic section is only loaded with the helptopic header(s), the 'meat' of the topics are set as phrases. Again, if uploaded, the topics are placed correctly.
Sorry if that rambles a bit, I am feeling my way on this :o