[KuraFire]

Originally Posted by Wayne Luke

I don't think anyone is asking for an installer that edits the PHP files. That in itself would be a nightmare. If you want greater acceptance for this then what you need to supply is already coded.

Not exactly, what people have been suggesting on top of the TXT files is the HTL to generate a standalone installer.php that will do _exactly_ all the things that an HTL-installation would do, but without requiring to have the HTL installed.

So basically, it would create a large .php file that imports stuff etc. etc.

I don't plan on making something that actually edits .php files on your server - I don't like that, and I don't want that, and many people don't want that either

Originally Posted by Wayne Luke

1. The HTL allows hack makers to create XML files. It also imports those XML files. This import/exporter should be released as a standalone installer. Then the same XML files can be used for this as well as the HTL. All you have to add is the ability to optionally run the queries. The only real difference is that it doesn't log all the changes in the database.

More to it than that, though. The HTL Install Routine somewhat depends on the HTL environment: many many functions for taking care of it all. To make that stand-alone would require all those functions to be added (but first rewritten partially) as well, and then you have the HTL just without the database logging or the many many benefits.

The HTL lessens the need for file edits: it automates menu links and template groups. A non-installed standalone installer/importer/utility would not be able to do that.

Originally Posted by Wayne Luke

2. You say you added a text instruction, this can list the queries that need to be run and the modifications to the the PHP files. It can also add text at the bottom informing the end user to import any XML files using the above hack.

'cept that there is no standalone importer, and I don't know if there will be one either. If vb.org's staff is satisfied with the text installers that the HTL creates now, then there is no real need anyway.

Originally Posted by Wayne Luke

3. The Forum front-end portion should be a standalone add-on separate from the HTL. This allows only people who want to install that overhead whether it is 3 templates and a query or 10 templates and 100 queries.

The front-end has no influence on hacks at all. It only lists to people what hacks YOU as vB admin have installed on your board, AND have specified to show up on the front end to begin with. That's all. If a hack requires 10 templates and 100 queries, it will require that with or without a front end.

But I'm considering making 2 versions of the HTL: With front end, and Without front end. People then download the one they want, and if they don't want the front end and choose that version, it won't have the (10 or so) front-end phrases, the 1 front-end setting, and no templates.

Originally Posted by Wayne Luke

Really it is just a repackaging of what you have already, doesn't require any new knowledge and in the end gives people a freedom of choice which currently isn't possible.

It's a little more complicated than just a repackaging though.