vBcode and smilie user interface improvement

Ok, I'm not sure if this has already been done. I checked Kier's original hack and I searched for other possible hacks and didn't find any.

This hack or code improvement, as I would like to call it, helps out with the problem of the vBcode or smilies always being added to the end of the text in the textarea box. In other words no matter where you would like to add a vBcode or smilie it will always be placed at the end of the text written.

The new vbcode.js script below will fix this. With this improvement you could go any where in the text that you have written and add smilies or format the text in what ever way you would like. The added vBcode or smilie will always be inserted at the point where the cursor is.

Please note: You must add the following in the textarea tag for the message, otherwise the new script will not work. You'll find these textareas in the newreply and newthread templates.

Your new textarea tag should look like this(red code denotes the chages that should be made):

<textarea name="message" rows="20" cols="$textareacols" wrap="virtual" tabindex="2" 
onChange=getActiveText(this) onclick=getActiveText(this) >$message</textarea>

All you have to do after changing the templates is copy the new vbcode.js onto your server and voila, your users will be loving you.

Enjoy and let me know what you think.


Scott

[Delhaze]

Why haven't the VB develpoers created an area on the webserver that is protected for valid license holders, like the members area, where files like this can be downloaded.

If it doesn't happen I can see customers moving to FREE open source alternatives as soon as they become as powerfull, and with hacks easily available.

[s.molinari]

Originally posted by Delhaze
Why haven't the VB develpoers created an area on the webserver that is protected for valid license holders, like the members area, where files like this can be downloaded.

If it doesn't happen I can see customers moving to FREE open source alternatives as soon as they become as powerfull, and with hacks easily available.

Your point is a good one but situations like mine are an exception. I don't think there are too many code improvements to warrant such extra effort as you explained. What I did isn't exactly a bug fix and not really a hack, that's why I say it is an exception. We will just have to wait and see if the new vbcode.js file will be implemented in the next version.

Scott

[Freddie Bingham]

Scott send your improvements to Kier and if they are kosher than he can make the needed changes in time for 2.0.2

[s.molinari]

Originally posted by freddie
Scott send your improvements to Kier and if they are kosher than he can make the needed changes in time for 2.0.2

Willdo - havedone

Scott

[samtha25]

Originally posted by s.molinari
Your point is a good one but situations like mine are an exception.

Not sure how exceptional as this is the second case I've come across just now of something being removed for license violation in just the last few minutes while searching for something else.

The point about competition from open source is a good one, as this is one area where open source may well produce an excellent contender. One of the tricks of competing against open source is to capture as much of the flavor of it as possible without giving away the store. So, I think the idea of having a download area for hacks/improvements from the members only area or perhaps a licensees' only forum for such exchanges is a very good one.

We need a "Members Only" forum!!!!!!

[tubedogg]

Originally posted by samtha25
Not sure how exceptional as this is the second case I've come across just now of something being removed for license violation in just the last few minutes while searching for something else.

That was kind of a fluke. I think the last time this happened was in March or April.

The point about competition from open source is a good one, as this is one area where open source may well produce an excellent contender. One of the tricks of competing against open source is to capture as much of the flavor of it as possible without giving away the store. So, I think the idea of having a download area for hacks/improvements from the members only area or perhaps a licensees' only forum for such exchanges is a very good one.

I would tend to agree. However I think the way it is now is a good system too. It allows it be out in the open without compromising vBulletin's source.

[Delhaze]

I think in this case it's a bit pointless imposing any restriction.

This is after all a .js file.

The original can be download from ANY vb site.

Can somebody who manged to install the new file give me a link to their vb site.

I won't download it honest, although if I happen to find it in my cache ...........

[tubedogg]

The general discussion is about vB source as a whole, not just .js files. Yes, .js files can be downloaded as you say, however PHP files cannot. We cannot pick and choose what parts of the license we enforce, or when we enforce them.

[Delhaze]

I think you'll find that you actually can, but you choose not to.

Anyway, thanks for the hack Scott, it is working brilliantly.