Addon Development: how to deal with the XML?
 

Heya guys!

It might be that my question is a rather stupid one, but alas I am still asking it:
when developing an addon (with all the bells and whistles; that being admincp, user interaction etc) one has all the files (xmls, phps etc) and the addon xml file...

So far I've been changing the xml, uploading the xml in the admincp and overwritten the existing addon - this can't surely be the 'normal' or right way to do so?

Any advice on how to do this quicker?

Thanks!
Malte

Most things can be done in the admincp, then you export the product xml if you want to save or distribute it (it's a good idea to keep a backup even if you're not distributing it). Some controls don't show up unless the site is in debug mode (e.g. adding/editing options and option groups). If you haven't been using debug mode you might find this useful: https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=265999 . The article is on ways to turn it on only for yourself or admins, but the "normal" way (which you'd use if you're developing on a test site, which is a good idea) is there too.

thanks for your reply!

I know about the debug mode - but I am not sure how this helps me with frequent updates to my addon.xml?

Once I am done, the feature of downloading it is very very handy (of which I did not know beforehand)

Or is your advice to upload it once and then make the changes within the style manger et al?

I now use the "debug mode" method Kevin spoke of on my local dev site. I first create the product, then add the settings I want, then the templates and plugins, and finally debug the codes until everything works as I intend, and then export the XML file. :D

can you walk me through this in more detail?

Right, that's what I meant. But maybe I didn't understand what you were asking. I think there are some people who do mod development by editing the xml, but I don't think that's what most people do.

I will be happy to, but I am about to leave in a few minutes. When I get back for the night in about 4.5 hours, I will write up a step-by-step guide. Once you get the hang of the process, it makes creating/updating add-ons very straightforward. :D

awesome!
Thank would be more than kind of you, sir :) :D

I decided to write an article to be shared with the community, and it is now pending staff approval. If it is approved, I will edit this post to give a link to the article. :D

even better!
(although the wait is cumbersome, but that's the way it is :) )

Thanks again!