Do you use a "test" board to test your hacks out first?

[Erwin]

Originally Posted by MetalGearMaster

how do you do that Erwin???

I have about 3 test boards locally and 3 online for my other admin to test things out

I used to just install hacks on my live board, but now I setup a few test boards to make sure everything runs properly before adding it to my live board

MGM out

Have a list of all PHP files you've changed. Under the file name, write a note regarding what you've done, and how many changes.

Inside the PHP file itself, wrap all custom code with comments.

When you upgrade, use a file comparing program like Araxis Merge.

Any PHP files you have not touched can just be replaced. This way, you save a lot of time, and you avoid having to rehack your forums.

[NTLDR]

Since installing vB3 I've marked every single edit along with a short description of what the edit is for (bar all the A/MCP navbar edits). As Erwin said it really does make a difference when upgrading knowing exactly what files have changed and knowing the exact changes you have made.

[MGM]

Originally Posted by imageconstrux

MGM for your online test boards - did you just install vB into a dif't, unused domain you had lying around, then import all the hacks from the live board to the test board?

I just created a subdomain and new database, installed vBulletin or uploaded a backup, and made that subdomain password-protected. I then installed a hack to the test board, if everything works properly and I find no errors, I just re-add the hack into my live board, along with any changes I may have made easy stuff really lol, just time consuming

Originally Posted by Erwin

Have a list of all PHP files you've changed. Under the file name, write a note regarding what you've done, and how many changes.

Inside the PHP file itself, wrap all custom code with comments.

When you upgrade, use a file comparing program like Araxis Merge.

Any PHP files you have not touched can just be replaced. This way, you save a lot of time, and you avoid having to rehack your forums.

Lemme rephrase that just to see if I understand correctly... you added all of your hacks to, say, a vB3 RC1 board.... hacking and modding away, correct? You added comments wherever you made a code change or deleted a piece of coding so as to know what hack that code is for and what it does. Then, when it came time to upgrade, you made a backup of your forum, and compared the files using a program to find all of the changes. You installed, say, vB3 RC2 on your board and then went back to the program and re-edited in all of the changes from the new version into the "hacked" version, correct?

*breathes in..... then out..... then in...... then out...... wax-on...... wax-off* ahem, soooooo..... am I right?

MGM out