Forum Display Enhancements - Collapsable First Post using AJAX (or Last Post!)

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NOTICE: This is for vBulletin v3.6 ONLY. You can find a v3.5 compatible version here.

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*** Confirmed working on ALL vBulletin 3.6.x versions! ***

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Keywords: FORUMDISPLAY, search, results, collapse, AJAX, collapsable, first, last, unread, post

Description:
Allows you to expand/collapse the first, last or first unread post of a thread from FORUMDISPLAY and search results without the need to load the entire thread.

Details:
Upon perusing the wonderful deals over at slickdeals.net, I noticed this nifty feature which caught my eye. I found it quite useful as most people have a bad habit of not being very descriptive with their thread titles. This little trick made my browsing experience much more enjoyable, so naturally I had to borrow [read: shamelessly rip] the idea.

Please note that no additional queries are added, unless using the 'First Unread Post' option. Otherwise, the only queries performed are the same as those when a thread is normally viewed.

The magic behind this modification is performed by jQuery: The Write Less, Do More, JavaScript Library.

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Usage:
Simply click the expand icon [+] in front of the thread title to expand, and the collapse icon [-] to collapse. Rocket science, eh?

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Installation:

1. Download and unzip the ajax_first_post.zip archive.
2. Upload necessary files to their respective locations. (Attention custom style users! Be sure to upload the images to your custom image directory.)
3. Import the product-ajax_first_post.xml via the Product Manager.
4. Make any desired configuration changes via AdminCP > vBulletin Options > Collapsable First Post using AJAX
5. ???
6. Profit!

Notes:
All template modifications are made automatically. They attach to pretty common text locations, so modified styles shouldn't* be a problem.

However, for those who wish (or need) to perform the edits manually, you can find that information here.

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Comments:
As with all my hacks, this modification is provided free of charge. However, if you find this product useful and have money burning a hole in your pocket, feel free to make a small donation, I won't mind.. really.

Version History:

• 1.0.0 - Initial release, here's to hoping...
• 1.1.0
  • Fixed JavaScript errors when using search.
  • Resolved (known) cross browser compatibility issues.
• 1.2.0
  • New AdminCP configuration options:
    • Ability to select first or last post to be displayed.
    • Ability to disable on a per forum basis.
    • Option to update thread views when expanded.
    • Option to disable automatic template editing with a single click.
  • Tweaked a couple plugins to prevent unnecessary checking.
  • Properly registers in Who's Online
• 1.2.1
  • Will no longer show expand icon next to thread redirects.
  • Added ability to display first unread post.
  • Completely revamped the automatic template editing system. Should now be able to make template edits to even the most modified templates as well.
  • Fixed a couple non-breaking typos.
  • Included JavaScript in USERCP_SHELL to allow expand/collapse of subscribed threads.
  • Added a hover title to the expand icon to inform the user what they can expect when clicking it.

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Tips, Tricks and Modifications:

• Fix for users of passiveVid receiving Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /includes/class_postbit.php(296) : eval()'d code on line [#]

Currently Known Bugs:

• None

* Please note that this modification was developed on a forum with a userbase of 1 (myself). I've tested it for basic functionality but I cannot guarantee functionality or behavior on your forum. So, please -- make backups before installing this product!

[magnus]

Originally Posted by Coders Shack

when making the manual edits i get:

Originally Posted by rjmjr69

I'm getting this same exact problem after upgrading. I shut down the autotemplate edit as I had to the first time too. Any idea?

My apologies, that was my fault. I've updated the template edits with new, tested, conditionals. That's what I get for not testing. Sorry!

[rjmjr69]

Originally Posted by magnus

My apologies, that was my fault. I've updated the template edits with new, tested, conditionals. That's what I get for not testing. Sorry!

Still does not work Now I get errors on both lines


Can you look and see if you can figure it out please...
Attachment 63427

[magnus]

@rjmjr69:
Attached is your modified threadbit. I pasted this over my own threadbit and it tested fine.

[rjmjr69]

Even with your edit I get these errors still

The following error occurred when attempting to evaluate this template:

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in /includes/adminfunctions_template.php(3596) : eval()'d code on line 1

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in /includes/adminfunctions_template.php(3596) : eval()'d code on line 15

This is likely caused by a malformed conditional statement. It is highly recommended that you fix this error before continuing, but you may continue as-is if you wish.

[magnus]

Did you upload the new files and overwrite the old ones? (as well as reimport the new product xml and disable automatic template edits via the AdminCP)

[TheMilkCarton]

This is probably impossible, or at least really hard, but I thought I'd suggest it anyway.

In addition to allowing us to select among First post, Last post, or First Unread (if you add this to a later update), what about a "User Selectable" option which would then put the "First, Last, or First Unread" options in everyone's UserCP options. Another admin at my site suggested it, so don't blame me. I think it's a good idea, but maybe not worth the effort to the developer.

And here I am suggesting really hard things, and I haven't even gotten around to adding a "Reply" button to this mod.

[magnus]

Originally Posted by TheMilkCarton

In addition to allowing us to select among First post, Last post, or First Unread (if you add this to a later update), what about a "User Selectable" option which would then put the "First, Last, or First Unread" options in everyone's UserCP options. Another admin at my site suggested it, so don't blame me. I think it's a good idea, but maybe not worth the effort to the developer.

Too late. Already working on it.

This was my original plan, I just wanted to get the backend solid first.

[TheMilkCarton]

Nice!! Great minds think alike. hahah.

[dbirosel]

Woot!! I can't wait for the next update. This mod has a lot of potential to become MOTM

[apdcanari]

Hello,

3.5 please ? I speak french.

Thanks,

C?dric