vbHacker & vbHackMaker

Version 1.0.1 released! [March 25th, 18:30]
New:
~ Backup files: Now the script will backup files before editing them. You can disable this, and also change the extension of the backup file. (note: the folder in which the files reside must be writable)
~ CHMOD: The script will try to CHMOD files instead of just dying. The parent folder must be writable if you want the script to CHMOD files in it.
~ Another small fix there's not much to say about.

Ok here's something I wrote yesterday, and today after testing it on serveral forums I can finally release it.

What is it?
vbHacker is a script that automatically installs hacks for you. It takes a xxxxx.hack.php file and comes up with the install script for it. This means you only need vbhacker.php to sit in your admin folder, and just upload data files every time you want to install a new hack.

How does one create hack files?
To make these xxxxx.hack.php data files, please read the post about vbHackMaker:
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthrea...&postid=231705

The script does the following:
~ Hack files (only PHP have access to write that file)
~ Install new templates
~ Update existing templates
~ Run queries
If anything fails, the script skips it. Then you are taken to a page that lists all the changes the script couldn't do, with instructions how to do them yourself.

You also have the option to generate a plain text file with complete hacking instructions, in case you prefer that.
The installer also checks for your vBulletin version, warning you if the versions mismatch.

I took some screen shots earlier of the various steps.

Hack chooser - This is the part where you see a list of all hacks you have and you can choose which one, and whether to install it or create a text file:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/1_chooser.gif
For the next screen shots I chose the Quick Reply Box hack.

Elements to install - There you can choose what parts of the hack you want to install. There are four main parts: File hacks, new templates, template edits and queries. This is good for upgrades if you only want to update the templates, and nothing else.
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/2_quick_elements.gif

Specific changes - A more specific step that allows you to select exactly what changes to what files/templates you want to make. Once again, this is helpful when upgrading.
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/3_quick_config.gif

Auto installer - The core of the script that actually installs the hack. This is how it looks like when it works fine:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/4_quick_auto_ok.gif
And this is how it looks like when something went wrong (because I made it go wrong ):
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/5_quick_auto_bad.gif

Manual mode - An optional step that you will only use if the auto installer had some problems. It just lists the changes you need to do yourself:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/6_quick_manual.gif

Text file - If you want to generate a text file with the full instructions to install the hack:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/7_quick_text.gif

The style for my Admin CP was done by kier.

Well, hope you like what you see. I will start releasing my hacks with this installer soon, so you can see it in action. A script that creates these data files will probably come soon, so everyone will be able to use this for their own hacks.

Attached is the script, version 1.0.1.
Just upload it to your /admin folder, and you're done. Whenever you need to install a new hack just go to /admin/vbhacker.php in your browser.

[hypedave]

actually I heard in vb3 all hacks written for vb 2.2.4 will have to be re-written .... Firefly can you confirm this :devious:

[kidney]

Very nice hack, you have proven who is the master.

If the great master will allow one opinion it would to create backup before executing the hack in case of disaster, and this will allow you to add a feature wich will allow revert to the previous state.

[hypedave]

wow yeah kidney thats a great feature to add, I was thinking about that as well

[SaintDog]

Not used this yet, but I have to say this on the account:

"This is the best thing since sliced bread for vBulletin "

This should make things easier for a lot of people. How long have you been working on this FF?

Thanks once again for a great...hacking tool ,

SaintDog

[Freddie Bingham]

Originally posted by hypedave
actually I heard in vb3 all hacks written for vb 2.2.4 will have to be re-written .... Firefly can you confirm this :devious:

Oh yes.

[E]

That sucks.. will some of them be included ?

[hypedave]

see Freddie I been doing my home work :smoke:
how is that asp function for the CMS coming aling :bandit:

[E]

i installed this but only just realised how good it is.... I have no idea how to run queries but this pretty much helps... Thjx FireFly

[feldon23]

I feel stupid.

I have combed over this thread and the Quick Reply threads and saw you using Quick Reply as an example of how cool vbHacker is, but I haven't seen where to download

quickreply.hack.php.

Is this something I need to create myself using vbHackMaker?

I love the idea of what are essentially hot-swappable modifications to php files.

Installing these things has taught me how to use the program Beyond Compare, but vbHacker seems even better if I don't have to touch any php files directly... (not afraid, just hate doing it for every new release!)

[feldon23]

Ok, I used vbHackMaker to create a data file using the readme as a guide.

I know with 3.0 coming you don't want to spend too much time on things that won't work with it, but will vbHacker have an uninstall capability at some point?

Of course I can do it manually.