vbHacker & vbHackMaker
 

Version 1.0.1 released! [March 25th, 18:30]
New:
~ Backup files: Now the script will backup files before editing them. You can disable this, and also change the extension of the backup file. (note: the folder in which the files reside must be writable)
~ CHMOD: The script will try to CHMOD files instead of just dying. The parent folder must be writable if you want the script to CHMOD files in it.
~ Another small fix there's not much to say about.

Ok here's something I wrote yesterday, and today after testing it on serveral forums I can finally release it. :)

What is it?
vbHacker is a script that automatically installs hacks for you. It takes a xxxxx.hack.php file and comes up with the install script for it. This means you only need vbhacker.php to sit in your admin folder, and just upload data files every time you want to install a new hack.

How does one create hack files?
To make these xxxxx.hack.php data files, please read the post about vbHackMaker:
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthrea...&postid=231705

The script does the following:
~ Hack files (only PHP have access to write that file)
~ Install new templates
~ Update existing templates
~ Run queries
If anything fails, the script skips it. Then you are taken to a page that lists all the changes the script couldn't do, with instructions how to do them yourself.

You also have the option to generate a plain text file with complete hacking instructions, in case you prefer that.
The installer also checks for your vBulletin version, warning you if the versions mismatch.

I took some screen shots earlier of the various steps. :)

Hack chooser - This is the part where you see a list of all hacks you have and you can choose which one, and whether to install it or create a text file:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/1_chooser.gif
For the next screen shots I chose the Quick Reply Box hack.

Elements to install - There you can choose what parts of the hack you want to install. There are four main parts: File hacks, new templates, template edits and queries. This is good for upgrades if you only want to update the templates, and nothing else.
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/2_quick_elements.gif

Specific changes - A more specific step that allows you to select exactly what changes to what files/templates you want to make. Once again, this is helpful when upgrading.
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/3_quick_config.gif

Auto installer - The core of the script that actually installs the hack. This is how it looks like when it works fine:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/4_quick_auto_ok.gif
And this is how it looks like when something went wrong (because I made it go wrong ;)):
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/5_quick_auto_bad.gif

Manual mode - An optional step that you will only use if the auto installer had some problems. It just lists the changes you need to do yourself:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/6_quick_manual.gif

Text file - If you want to generate a text file with the full instructions to install the hack:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/7_quick_text.gif

The style for my Admin CP was done by kier.

Well, hope you like what you see. :D I will start releasing my hacks with this installer soon, so you can see it in action. A script that creates these data files will probably come soon, so everyone will be able to use this for their own hacks.

Attached is the script, version 1.0.1.
Just upload it to your /admin folder, and you're done. Whenever you need to install a new hack just go to /admin/vbhacker.php in your browser.

I loved what i saw :) GOOD WORK ....

Hi Firefly,

you are really one of the main reasons why vbulletin is loved by so many people.

Just want to thank you for the great job you do!

Regards Birdie501

Thanks Birdie, and aaronx! :)

So how do we create hacks that would work for vBHacker? is this similar to those MultiHack programs thingy that was used for UBB, you know, where the hacker can create a file with instructions to the program saying Find X, then replace with X etc.

Thank s Firefly, I am sure this will make everything alot easier. :)

Negative... everybody want to make their board look different, not like others.
And what vbhacker does? standart look - standart look -standart look...

Sorry, not for me...

Huh? Did you understand what this is all about? You don't have to install hacks, this script only makes installation of hacks much easier because it's done automatic.

I assume directory permissions will have to be 777 to PHP can write to files?

File permissions, yes.

yep, I understand it's pretty much...
For example I can take your hack "Number of new replies per thread on forum display" that is specially designed for vbhacker.
U have a code there that inserts <b>Replies<br>(new / total)</b> into one of templates.
Now...What if I don't like to have text Replies to be bold? Or maybe I have not-english spoken board, or I want to change text Teplies to Answers (just as an example, don't take it serios).
If u want to make it different as I have wrote before, u will have to edit template anyway those making vbhacker a tool, that make all boards like others.
Got main idea?

i dont' know where you come up with all these ideas but what an asset! thank you very much for your hard work bro

Tell vbHacker not to make template changes...

or just change it after it is done installing it... not very hard.

woolf,
your comments are based on the lack of knowledge i think :)

If you wish to make stuff bold or bigger letters, you can quickly apply the hack with this script, then jump to the ACP and mod/tweak it further manually. Even then, this will save you some time :)

No, it will not make things standard.
There is no difference, between a user applying a hack manually or by script. The only difference there is, is that it is done quicker and less change of error by n00bz.

More advanced newbies can manually tweak it afterwards so it will not look default on every board.

]:D :D :D nice comment... got the main idea ;)

so this will install any hack? and I mean any hack that are out?? and I mean ANY!! or are there some certain hacks that it can do..

Only hacks designed to work with vbhacker.

Anyone know how many hacks work with it at this time? I would assume some, if not most of Firefly's hacks, which is anywhere between 1-46 hacks.

Anywho.. Outstanding job!

Doh! It doesn't display .gif files. Hehehe...

wow, this seems kewl. i'll try it out

most likely only one to 4 hacks have this in use right now.

I'm confused on where I'm to upload the hacks "data" files. I already installed the vbhacker.php file, but where do I upload the hacks for it to read? Also, what is at least one hack that does work with this so I can try it out?

I also see that it's for 2.2.4

Do you think it should work on 2.2.1 or higher versions or has it not been tested? I'm not sure how big the changes were in subsequent versions.

very nice hack, I tryed this on some earlier hacks but it didnt work
for example, vb 2.2.2 hacks, the vbhacker wouldnt install them on my 2.2.4 board :(

Webmasta XT: No, only hacks that are released in the format the script understands can be used with vbHacker.

Avenger: I released a hack yesterday that uses this. Take a look at my profile.
You need to place the data files in the /admin folder. The script itself should work on any 2.2.x release, I just put 2.2.4 to know it's the latest one. But make sure the *hacks* work with that version.

I'm just done with a HackMaker that creates the files for a hack, I'll release it soon. :)

Version 1.0.1 released! [March 25th, 18:40]
New:
~ Removed some code that deals with magic_quotes_gpc turned on, because for some reason it messed stuff for people with magic_quotes_gpc off.

Alright, and here's vbHackMaker (*cough* original ;)), the script that creates the data files used by vbHacker.

This script is pretty straightforward and easy, but just to show you what it's all about I took some screen shots of it.

New or old - The first step of the script where you can either start a new hack, or edit an existing hack. Make sure you select 'No' if you are editing a hack.
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/maker/1_neworold.gif

General information - You need to enter some general info about your hack, and also specify exactly how many changes the hack contains (like vbHacker, there are four categories: file hacks, new templates, template edits and queries).
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/ma...eneralinfo.gif

Actual hack - You simply input the changes for this hack, for each of these four categories.
Like you see I tried to make things easy with a drop down menu for the folder, and another drop down menu for "what to do" (replace, add after or add before).
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/maker/3_hackstuff.gif

Data file - The end of the script that gives you the source for the file. Just cut & paste and name the file yourhack.hack.php. :)
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/maker/4_outcome.gif

Attached is the file, vbhackmaker.php version 1.0.1. :D
Note: You *must* have magic_quotes_gpc turned off if you want this script to work. I hope to resolve this issue soon. Sorry!

Arigato Go'zymas Firefly :)
(Thank you)

wow when does training class begin :D

I kinda like installing my hacks manually, but I will definantly use this hack! I would have to rate is a 10 out of 10!

FireFly!!
One thing is missing from this hack(?) to be PERFECT...
There are many hacks that uses others PHP files, new ones...
May be u can add a field to create a new file?

Thanks a lot!

Sorry for my English...

Psico.

If a new file needs to be created, just attach it to your hack and the user can upload it. :) Putting it in the hack file will only make it bigger, and I don't see the point in it anyway.

Great Job firefly...i will definetely use it

I want some feedback before I use this. Anyone have any problems with it so far?

Looks AMAZING, Chen! GJ

Thanks FireFly

Geat as usual :D

Well, it only looks like one hack works with this right now. It's not one that I want on my board, so I haven't had the chance to use this yet.

again these two files have helped me out real good,
thanks for that hard work and effort you put into making us nebie hackers life more easier, I have installed 4 hacks , after creating the xxx.hack.php file, it was a matter of seconds before each hack was installed, now I have to figure out how to get some hacks for 2.2.2 to work with 2.2.4,

Nice! Yet another awesome hack from FireFly! :)

Very Nice FireFly, I know this will be included with vB3 correct!