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!

[Saudi Zoom]

Installed and it's work great, But there is a small error
When i set the "Display First/Last Post" to (Last Thread) and go to forum/search.php?do=getdaily , And clicking onCollaps button it goes to the first thread!

Great job, Thank you

[magnus]

Originally Posted by Saudi Zoom

Installed and it's work great, But there is a small error
When i set the "Display First/Last Post" to (Last Thread) and go to forum/search.php?do=getdaily , And clicking onCollaps button it goes to the first thread!

Great job, Thank you

This has been discussed. It's by design, not a bug. The framework for displaying the last post isn't readily available within the available search hooks (without semi-extensive modifications). I'm working on a non-cludgy way to implement it.

Search results, regardless of settings, will always be first post. This is normal.

[Mastar]

Sorry to say that this is not compatible with Vb3.6.6.... It gives a fatal error, until I disable it.

[Gryphon]

It is working fine for me on 3.6.6.

It would help the author to know the error.

[magnus]

Originally Posted by Mastar

Sorry to say that this is not compatible with Vb3.6.6.... It gives a fatal error, until I disable it.

I haven't upgrade to 3.6.6. I can't address the problem if I don't know the error.

[Mastar]

Originally Posted by magnus

I haven't upgrade to 3.6.6. I can't address the problem if I don't know the error.

Fatal error: Call to undefined function: fetch_coventry() in /home/mysite/public_html/forums/usercp.php(499) : eval()'d code on line 16

[perfphysio]

This hack is awesome. Works fine in 3.6.6

[tehQspm]

Originally Posted by Mastar

Fatal error: Call to undefined function: fetch_coventry() in /home/mysite/public_html/forums/usercp.php(499) : eval()'d code on line 16

I just noticed that too this morning. So far it only seems to come up whenever someone tries to get to the UserCP. It doesn't appear to break on anything else.

Have disabled it for now.

[magnus]

There's a fix for the above error in previous posts of this thread. I'll incorporate it in a new release as soon as I can, but since it's Mother's Day weekend it will have to wait until I get back in town.

[RemiAlone]

Installed it on 3.6.6. and it works fine.

Don't forget to upload the buttons to your custom style. :P