Install-File Automation Mod

[amykhar]

I'm working on 43 projects right now, and don't dare get sidetracked on another. But, I have been thinking, wouldn't it be great if we could generate install files for templates, phrases and queries, much the same way we can export a plugin?

The way I'm envisioning it now, it would be sort of like a macro recorder.

For example, when you get ready to start developing a mod, you would click a "record" button or link. Until you click a "stop" button or link, every phrase or template you add would be tracked and logged. Also, every query you run from the built-in query section would track as well.

When you click the stop button, the logging would cease. You could then go to a section of your admincp, and check off every one of the tracked changes that you want exported.

The export function would generate an install file that could be run similar to the install files that come with mods now. It would install phrases and templates and run the queries.

It would offer an uninstall section - this part would be more complicated to automate the generation of.

In this way, you could track fresh installs and upgrades and generate the appropriate code with a few clicks.

It may be a pipe dream, but I think it's doable. Anybody interested in becoming a hero to lazy developers who hate writing install files?

(This is different than the HTML instructions generator that was proposed by a member. It's not going to generate instructions for code changes - just the backend queries.)

Amy